Senior Advocate Steps Down from Representing AAP MLA Malik in PSA Case
Jammu, Sep 18: Senior advocate Nirmal K Kotwal, president of the Jammu wing of the High Court Bar Association, on Thursday recused himself from representing AAP MLA Mehraj Malik, who was recently detained under the Public Safety Act (PSA).
Kotwal cited circulation of videos in which Malik allegedly claimed that J\&K is “not part of India” and praised slain Hizbul commander Burhan Wani and Jaish founder Masood Azhar.
“The unity and sovereignty of India are non-negotiable. Any statement undermining them cannot be condoned,” Kotwal said, adding that such utterances, if true, were “irresponsible and detrimental” to national security.
Malik (37) was detained on September 8 in Doda for allegedly disturbing public order and is lodged in Kathua jail. Earlier, AAP had announced a 10-member legal team led by Kotwal to challenge the detention.
