Can Detained MLA Mehraj Malik Cast His Vote in RS Polls?
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Synopsis
In a significant development, detained MLA Mehraj Malik will be allowed to vote in the upcoming Rajya Sabha polls, thanks to arrangements made by the J&K government. This move raises questions about the balance between legal restrictions and democratic rights in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Detained MLA Mehraj Malik will vote in the Rajya Sabha polls.
- Arrangements for voting have been confirmed by the J&K government.
- The High Court is involved to ensure Malik's rights are upheld.
- The Public Safety Act underpins Malik's detention.
- The case raises important questions about democracy in J&K.
Srinagar, Oct 18 (NationPress) The government of J&K announced on Saturday that the high court has been notified regarding the detained MLA, Mehraj Malik, who will be exercising his voting rights during the Rajya Sabha elections, with all necessary arrangements already in place.
The High Court of J&K and Ladakh has been informed that the essential arrangements have been made to allow the detained Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA, Mehraj Malik, to participate in the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections.
During the proceedings before Justice Rajesh Sekhri, Senior Advocate Sunil Sethi, alongside Senior Additional Advocate General Monika Kohli, confirmed that the government had dispatched the postal ballot to the relevant authority to facilitate Malik’s voting during the Rajya Sabha elections set for October 24, 2025, according to official sources.
This information was presented amid a hearing for an application submitted by Malik, requesting permission to vote and to be part of the forthcoming assembly session.
While the legal team led by Advocate Rahul Pant requested urgent attention to both matters, the government’s counsel clarified that the necessary steps for voting had already been implemented.
The Court, however, observed that the government’s response to the application was not yet on record. It instructed the registry to ensure the response is duly documented and scheduled further hearings for October 27, 2025, specifically to evaluate Malik’s physical participation in the assembly session starting October 23.
The Court also mandated the government to guarantee that the detained MLA is permitted to cast his vote in compliance with the law, as reported by official sources.
Mehraj Malik has been detained under the Public Safety Act (PSA) after a dossier compiled on his activities indicated that he had engaged in actions harmful to the maintenance of law and order in the Doda district of J&K.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the complexities surrounding the situation of detained MLA Mehraj Malik. The legal framework in J&K continues to be a contentious topic, highlighting the delicate balance between governance and individual rights. NationPress stands for transparency and accountability in reporting such critical matters affecting the democratic processes in the region.
NationPress
18/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Public Safety Act?
The Public Safety Act (PSA) is a law in Jammu and Kashmir that allows for the detention of individuals without trial for up to two years if they are deemed a threat to public safety or law and order.
Who is Mehraj Malik?
Mehraj Malik is a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) who has been detained under the Public Safety Act.
When will the Rajya Sabha elections take place?
The Rajya Sabha elections are scheduled for October 24, 2025.
What arrangements have been made for Malik's voting?
The J&K government has confirmed that necessary arrangements, including dispatching a postal ballot, have been made to allow Mehraj Malik to vote.
What does the court say about Malik's participation?
The court has directed the government to ensure that Malik is allowed to vote in accordance with the law and scheduled further hearings to consider his participation in the assembly session.
