Can Detained MLA Mehraj Malik Attend the Upcoming Assembly Session?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Mehraj Malik's attendance at the Assembly session is contingent on court or government approval.
- The Public Safety Act allows detention without judicial intervention for up to two years.
- The upcoming session is called for October 23 and will be brief.
- The Assembly consists of 47 representatives from Kashmir and 43 from Jammu.
- Political dynamics continue to evolve as the situation unfolds.
Srinagar, Oct 3 (NationPress) The Speaker of the J&K Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, expressed on Friday that it would be a positive development if the detained Doda MLA Mehraj Malik is able to participate in the forthcoming session. However, he emphasized that the ultimate decision rests with either the court or the government.
Rather explained that Malik must seek authorization through the appropriate legal channels.
"He needs to file a request with the court, or if granted by the government, he should be able to attend. The decision is contingent upon governmental or judicial approval," he stated.
Regarding the situation with PDP legislator Waheed Parra, Rather confirmed that the show-cause notice issued against him is still under review.
"Parra has submitted his response, and the issue is currently under consideration," he noted.
The Speaker pointed out that Parra had previously circulated misinformation about the Assembly Secretariat supposedly endorsing the Public Safety Act (PSA) against the Doda MLA, which he clarified was inaccurate.
"The Secretariat does not hold such authority. The PSA is enforced by the District Magistrate," Rather stressed.
He also mentioned that the upcoming session of the J&K Assembly, called by the Lt Governor on October 23, will be brief and that a provisional calendar will be released shortly.
Doda MLA Malik has been detained under the PSA, which permits the detention of individuals for a maximum of two years without judicial oversight, as his actions were deemed harmful to peace and order in the district.
Malik secured victory in the 2024 Assembly election as a candidate from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), becoming the party's sole member in the 90-seat Assembly.
Initially, he supported the government led by Omar Abdullah of the National Conference but later withdrew his backing, citing failure to fulfill electoral promises.
The J&K Assembly comprises 47 representatives from the Kashmir Valley and 43 from the Jammu division.