Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Mehraj Malik was released from Kathua jail on Tuesday morning after the Jammu and Kashmir High Court quashed his detention under the Public Safety Act (PSA).
Malik's lawyer and AAP spokesperson Appu Singh Slathia confirmed the release, stating, "Malik was released by jail authorities this morning after completion of all formalities."
The High Court's decision to quash the PSA detention came as a relief for the legislator, who had been held under the stringent law. The court found the grounds for detention insufficient, leading to the order for his immediate release.
Mehraj Malik, representing the Kathua assembly constituency, was arrested earlier this year under the PSA, which allows for preventive detention without trial for up to two years. His arrest had sparked protests from the AAP and other opposition parties, who termed it politically motivated.
Following the court's ruling, Malik walked out of the jail premises amidst cheers from his supporters and party workers. He is expected to address the media later today.
The development marks a significant victory for the AAP in Jammu and Kashmir, where the party has been expanding its footprint. Malik's release is likely to boost the morale of party workers in the region.
