AAP MLA Mehraj Malik from Doda (East) was released from Kathua district jail on Tuesday after the J&K High Court ordered to quash his nearly eight-month-old detention under the Public Safety Act (PSA).His family and supporters hailed the court order as a “victory for truth,” while lawmakers thanked the judiciary and his supporters and resolved to continue fighting for the people.On Monday, Judge Mohd Yousuf Wani dismissed the detention order issued by Deputy Commissioner Doda, finding that it was legally unsustainable and based on “inattentiveness”. Malik, AAP’s J&K unit president and the UT’s sole legislator, was detained by the PSA on September 8 last year for disturbing public order.Malik’s family, supporters and party members, including Delhi MP Imran Hussain, welcomed him outside the prison. When he came out after completing the formalities, they garlanded him, shouted slogans and danced to the beats of dholak. “The truth always prevails. Someone from above is watching,” said his father, Shamasdin.Malik filed a habeas corpus petition before the HC on September 24, 2025, challenging his detention and seeking compensation of Rs 5 crore. The court reserved the order on February 23.
