Mehraj Malik, the sole Member of the Legislative Assembly representing the Aam Aadmi Party in Jammu and Kashmir, has pledged to continue his advocacy for the public following his release from an eight-month detention under the Public Safety Act (PSA). The Jammu and Kashmir High Court on Monday quashed the detention order, deeming it legally unsustainable and based on a “non-application of mind.” Malik was subsequently released from Kathua jail and was greeted by supporters in Kathua before returning to his residence in Jammu, where his parents also welcomed him.
Upon his release from Kathua jail, Malik addressed the media, asserting that his commitment to his struggle for the people would remain unwavering. “My struggle will not change as it is not for political gains but for the welfare of the people,” he stated, encouraging the youth to engage in politics to effect positive change. Information reaching TahirRihat.com suggests that Malik’s release marks a significant moment for his political supporters who have been advocating for his freedom.
Later, at his Jammu residence, Malik spoke to a gathering of supporters who had traveled from various parts of the region. He expressed his disillusionment with the political discourse within the Assembly, noting that while parties often engage in mutual accusations, they tend to fall silent on the pressing issues affecting ordinary citizens. “I understand the pain of poor people and that is why I had joined politics,” Malik remarked, emphasizing his motivation for entering public service. He recounted his experiences, stating that despite his dedication to the welfare of the people, he found himself incarcerated. “Some people on high posts may call me a traitor…but poor village people know what I have done for them…,” he said, drawing a distinction between official perceptions and the ground reality as understood by his constituents.
Malik elaborated on his long-standing commitment to public service, stating that he had been working for the people of his area since 2008. He identified Arvind Kejriwal as a source of inspiration and a “ray of hope.” He described his past efforts as a fight against politicians who neglected the concerns of the poor, leading to his imprisonment. “It was not Mehraj inside the jail but the dreams and aspirations of people…,” he declared, framing his detention as an impediment to the collective hopes of his constituents. The High Court’s decision to set aside the detention order, issued by the Doda District Magistrate, was based on the finding that the order was legally unsustainable and lacked proper consideration. Malik had filed a habeas corpus petition in the High Court on September 24, 2025, challenging his detention and seeking compensation. His father, Shammas Din, expressed profound satisfaction with his son’s release, reiterating Malik’s consistent dedication to serving the populace.
During his time in Kathua jail, Malik reported interactions with numerous individuals detained for drug-related offenses. He revealed that these peddlers indicated the involvement of influential people and educated youth among the buyers of illicit substances. According to the peddlers, a small quantity of a drug known as ‘chitta’ could fetch a price of Rs 10,000. Malik called for a comprehensive campaign to address this issue, advocating for the arrest of the “big players” who he believes are orchestrating these operations. This revelation, as reported by Malik, highlights a significant concern regarding the drug trade within the region and its potential links to individuals in positions of influence.
The legal challenge to Malik’s detention, which commenced in September when he was initially taken into custody under the PSA for allegedly disturbing public order, culminated in the High Court’s decisive ruling. The court’s observation that the detention order was based on “non-application of mind” underscores a critical flaw in the legal process that led to Malik’s incarceration. The subsequent release of the MLA is expected to have repercussions on the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly for the Aam Aadmi Party, which now sees its lone representative back in action. Malik’s commitment to continue his struggle, as articulated upon his release, suggests a renewed focus on addressing the issues he claims to champion, particularly those affecting the economically disadvantaged sections of society. The implications of his statements regarding the drug trade and the alleged involvement of influential figures are also likely to attract further attention and scrutiny.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.