Mohd Irfan
The detention of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Mehraj Malik under the stringent Public Safety Act (PSA) lodged in district jail Kathua, has triggered a storm of protests across Doda district, with civil society, rights activists, lawyers, and political voices strongly condemning the government’s move. The development has snowballed into a full-blown controversy, with questions raised over the legality and rationale of imposing PSA on a sitting legislator.
Protests Erupt Across Doda
Supporters of Malik took to the streets in Thathri, Bhalessa, Prem Nagar, and other parts of Doda, demanding his immediate release. Demonstrators raised slogans against the administration, accusing it of stifling dissent and attempting to silence a popular voice. Eyewitnesses reported large gatherings despite heavy restrictions, with locals defying curbs to show solidarity.
In an apparent bid to curb the unrest, authorities snapped mobile internet services across the district—a move that further drew sharp criticism. Civil society members likened the situation to an “undeclared emergency,” alleging that the administration was resorting to coercive tactics instead of addressing people’s grievances.
Legal Experts Slam Administration
Prominent Jammu lawyer Advocate Sheikh Shakeel minced no words in slamming the government for its decision. “With the imposition of the PSA on Mehraj Malik, the administration is playing politics. Government employees cannot legally stage protests; their conduct rules prohibit it. Yet, the administration is creating a narrative that employees are rallying against Malik, which is nothing but a political gimmick,” he remarked.
Shakeel also questioned the legality of the internet shutdown. “After the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment in Anuradha Bhasin vs Union of India, the administration is duty-bound to publish reasons for imposing internet bans. Why was no such order made public? Why deprive people of their right to information?” he asked, accusing authorities of blatant contempt of court directives.
He further warned that muzzling voices through PSA and internet restrictions would only fuel anger. “You cannot put concertina wires everywhere. Democracy thrives on dissent. Silencing people will backfire,” he cautioned.
AAP Vows Legal Battle
AAP spokesperson Appu Singh, who has been actively pursuing Malik’s case, expressed serious concern over the denial of legal rights. “It took us hours and repeated requests to even get a copy of the dossier. Lawyers were denied timely access to the detenue. The law mandates that the grounds of detention must be provided immediately, but this was violated,” Singh said.
She revealed that the dossier was eventually handed over only after Malik himself wrote to the Jail Superintendent at Kathua, where he is currently lodged. “This is not just illegal, it is a travesty of justice. PSA is being misused to crush opposition voices,” she alleged.
Slamming the government for targeting AAP leaders, Singh pointed out that even sitting MP Sanjay Singh, who visited J\&K to extend solidarity with Malik, was subjected to “coercive measures.” “If elected representatives are caged like criminals, what remains of democracy?” she asked, adding that the party’s legal team will challenge the PSA detention in court.
Civil Society and Political Voices Unite
The PSA detention of Malik has emerged as a rallying point for civil society, lawyers, and opposition parties in Jammu & Kashmir. Activists describe it as a “test case” that will determine whether constitutional safeguards still hold meaning in the region. Observers note that the case could set a dangerous precedent if allowed to stand unchecked. “If a sitting MLA can be jailed without trial under a preventive detention law, what protection remains for the ordinary citizen?” a rights activist from Doda asked.
The Bigger Question: Does the PSA Stand Legal Scrutiny? As protests intensify and legal experts sharpen their criticism, the central question looms large: “Does the imposition of PSA on MLA Mehraj Malik stand the legal test?” While the government has maintained silence so far, public anger is mounting. Social media platforms are abuzz with outrage, turning Malik’s detention into the hottest political flashpoint in the Union Territory. For now, the streets of Doda remain tense, the internet remains shut, and the people’s question hangs in the air: Is democracy in Jammu & Kashmir being reduced to concertina wires and detention orders?
