Chaos erupted in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Monday, October 27, 2025, as a fiery debate unfolded concerning the detention of AAP MLA Mehraj Malik under the controversial Public Safety Act (PSA).
Sajjad Shaheen, the National Conference MLA representing Banihal, vigorously called for a one-hour discussion to address the arrest of the Doda MLA, Mehraj Malik, who was taken into custody last month under the provisions of this stringent law.
Conversely, R.S. Pathania, the BJP MLA from Udhampur East, argued that implementing the PSA falls solely within the authority of a district magistrate.
This assertion immediately triggered an uproar, particularly from many members of the treasury benches and Sheikh Khursheed, the sole Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) MLA from Langate, as lawmakers rose from their seats in protest.
Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather intervened, rising from his chair to demand that all members resume their seats and restore order.
The Speaker firmly stated, “Let him speak, even if you disagree with his words,” and permitted the BJP MLA to proceed with his address.
Mr. Pathania continued by asserting that any matter currently undergoing judicial review in a court of law cannot legitimately be debated within the Assembly.
In a sharp retort, Nazir Ahmad Khan Gurezi, the NC MLA from Gurez, questioned, “Is this state to be governed by District Commissioners?” He highlighted that individuals can be detained under the PSA through a mere administrative order issued by either a Divisional Commissioner or a District Magistrate.
Mr. Gurezi passionately argued, “If Malik engaged in any anti-national activity, we have not and will never endorse it. However, can a District Commissioner unilaterally imprison anyone? Today it is Malik, but tomorrow it could be any of us. This esteemed House holds supreme authority, and we absolutely have the right to discuss this critical matter.”
He further urged for the establishment of a committee to thoroughly investigate whether Mr. Malik’s detention was truly justified.
Adding to the chorus of opposition, Sajad Lone, the People’s Conference (PC) MLA representing Handwara, vehemently denounced the PSA as a “black law.”
Mr. Lone concluded his statement by firmly declaring, “The application of the PSA against Malik is entirely without justification.”
Despite the ongoing commotion, Speaker Rather reiterated that matters under judicial review by a court of law “cannot be permitted for discussion within the House.”
It’s important to understand that the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act is a preventive detention law, granting the state government the authority to hold an individual for up to two years without formal trial.