Srinagar, Oct 27: The issue of the detention of AAP MLA Mehraj Malik echoed in the Legislative Assembly on Monday, with MLAs across party lines demanding a thorough discussion on the matter.
After the Question Hour concluded, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Banihal MLA Sajad Shaheen called for a detailed debate on Malik’s detention.
“Our colleague, Doda MLA Mehraj Malik, has been unconstitutionally and illegally put behind bars under the Public Safety Act. I request that the House hold a one-hour debate on this issue. Today, Mehraj Malik has been jailed on false allegations to stifle his voice. Tomorrow, any other MLA could be jailed undemocratically. This sets a dangerous precedent,” he said.
He was strongly countered by National Conference MLA Nazir Gurezi.
“The Deputy Commissioner is not the final authority who can arbitrarily slap the PSA on anyone,” Gurezi asserted.
He emphasized that the Legislative Assembly holds supremacy and retains the right to discuss matters even if they are sub-judice.
“We can discuss it here. This House is supreme. The courts interpret the laws framed by this very House,” he said.
Peoples Conference MLA Sajad Gani Lone said that the PSA against Mehraj Malik is totally unjustified. “This is a black law and has been used by everyone,” Lone said.
He added that political parties who have levelled baseless allegations against Mehraj Malik should apologise—(KNO)
