JAMMU, February 23, 2026 : The Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court on Monday reserved its order on a petition challenging the detention of AAP MLA Mehraj Malik under the Public Safety Act.
Malik, president of the Aam Aadmi Party’s Jammu and Kashmir unit, was detained on September 8 last year for allegedly disturbing public order and is currently lodged in Kathua jail.
He filed a habeas corpus petition in the High Court on September 24, seeking quashing of his detention and ₹5 crore compensation.
The matter was heard by Justice Mohammad Yousuf Wani, who reserved the case for pronouncement of orders, AAP spokesperson and counsel Appu Singh Slathia said.
The court has granted one week’s time to both parties—the petitioner and the State—to submit written synopses or additional submissions, if any.
Calling it a “long and challenging legal journey,” Slathia said the party remains hopeful and confident in the judicial process, urging Malik’s supporters and AAP activists to remain calm and positive.
