Jammu, November 7, 2025 – The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh deferred a ruling in the Public Safety Act (PSA) detention case of Aam Aadmi Party legislator Mehraj Malik, scheduling the next hearing for November 20, 2025.
The postponement disappointed Malik’s supporters, who had anticipated a possible decision leading to his release during today’s proceedings, according to details received by The Chenab Times. Malik, the AAP’s Jammu and Kashmir unit president and Doda assembly member, has been in custody since September 8 under Detention Order No. 05 of 2025, issued by the Doda District Magistrate for allegedly disturbing public order.
The adjournment stemmed from “deficiencies” in the government respondent’s submissions, which the court deemed insufficient for a determination at this stage. The main habeas corpus petition, challenging the PSA detention’s legality, was listed for hearing today following earlier adjournments, including one on October 30 for an interim application to attend the assembly session.
Senior Advocate Rahul Pant, representing Malik alongside Advocates S.S. Ahmed, Appu Singh Slathia, M. Zulkarnain Chowdhary, and others, argued the case before Justice Vinod Chatterji Koul. The government, through Senior Additional Advocate General Monika Kohli, presented its response, as noted in prior court updates.
Malik remains detained in Kathua jail, marking the first instance of a sitting J&K legislator held under the PSA, a 1978 law allowing preventive incarceration without trial to maintain public order. His petition seeks quashing of the order and immediate release, citing violations of constitutional rights.
Supporters and opposition figures, including Congress MLA G.A. Mir, have condemned the detention as undemocratic, demanding Malik’s freedom to uphold public mandate. No further details from today’s closed proceedings were disclosed.
The November 20 hearing may yield a final verdict, with observers expecting detailed scrutiny of the detention grounds.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
