Senior Advocate Nirmal K. Kotwal has officially withdrawn from representing Doda MLA Mehraj Malik in the ongoing Public Safety Act (PSA) case, after videos and statements allegedly linked to Malik began circulating on social media.
Advocate’s Clarification
In a detailed press release, Advocate Kotwal explained that it had come to his notice that some videos reportedly showed Malik making statements against India’s sovereignty and praising figures such as Burhan Wani and Masood Azhar.
“These videos and statements were never shared with me when I was briefed by the Aam Aadmi Party’s legal team regarding Mehraj Malik’s PSA detention,” Kotwal said. “If these claims are accurate, they are extremely irresponsible, insensitive, and harmful to national security and sovereignty.”
Citing his professional principles and personal conscience, Kotwal announced he would no longer defend Malik’s case:
“As a lawyer and citizen, I put national interest first. India’s unity and sovereignty are non-negotiable and cannot be compromised. I therefore withdraw from Malik’s representation in this matter.”
Ten Days of Detention
Malik, the elected MLA from Doda, has been in detention under the controversial Public Safety Act for the last ten days. His arrest has triggered widespread discussion across political and civil society circles in the region.
Local supporters argue that the detention of an elected representative undermines democratic values. Speaking to Kashmir Uzma, dozens of Malik’s supporters expressed disappointment and said they remain hopeful for relief through the judiciary.
Supporters’ Voices
Farid Ahmed, a grassroots worker, recalled Malik’s long-standing activism:
“From his student days, Malik raised the voice of the poor. In 2020, people rewarded his honesty by electing him as a DDC councillor. He stood against corruption, injustice, and VIP culture, and brought the slogan of change into politics.”
In 2024, Malik was elected as MLA from Doda, a victory his supporters saw as the triumph of integrity and accountability.
Another supporter, Abdul Ghani Malik, described him as “an example of honesty and simplicity” who wanted to live like an ordinary citizen despite holding political office.
“Malik is the victim of a flawed system. But we hope the judiciary will ensure justice,” he said.
Appeal for Release
Supporters have publicly appealed to the central government, the Lieutenant Governor’s administration, and political leadership across the board to reconsider Malik’s detention.
“We hope the judiciary will provide him justice. As an elected representative, he must be allowed to stand with his people in difficult times,” said one activist.
The Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act (PSA), enacted in 1978, allows authorities to detain individuals without trial for up to two years on grounds of security and public order. The law has been widely criticized by human rights groups for enabling prolonged detentions without judicial oversight.
Several politicians, activists, and community leaders have previously been detained under the PSA, raising questions about its impact on political representation and civil liberties. Malik’s case has once again brought the law into sharp focus.
Malik rose through the ranks as a student activist, later joining mainstream politics with promises of accountability and change. His election as MLA in 2024 was seen by supporters as a mandate against corruption and entrenched political culture.
Observers note that his detention under the PSA could have long-term implications for political participation and the relationship between elected representatives and the electorate in the region.
The withdrawal of Advocate Kotwal, combined with ongoing public support for Malik, highlights the deep political and legal complexities surrounding this case. While authorities defend the use of the PSA on security grounds, supporters argue that detaining an elected representative is an attack on democratic representation.
As the case unfolds, all eyes will be on the judiciary, where Malik’s supporters hope for relief — and where questions about the PSA’s use and misuse continue to resonate.
