AAP legislator Mehraj Malik has petitioned the J&K High Court to restore his security escort, which was revoked following his detention under the Public Safety Act (PSA).
- MLA Mehraj Malik approached the J&K High Court to regain his withdrawn security cover.
- Security was revoked after he was booked under the PSA and jailed for eight months.
- The Court ordered the Security Review Coordination Committee (SRCC) to decide within six weeks.
Mehraj Malik, a legislator representing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has formally approached the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh to seek the restoration of his security cover and escort vehicle. The security measures were stripped away after Malik was booked under the stringent Public Safety Act (PSA) and spent approximately eight months in incarceration.
Following the quashing of the PSA by the court, Mr. Malik was released in April this year. However, the administrative machinery failed to reinstate his security protocols despite the legal clearance. In his petition filed on September 7, Malik emphasized that as an elected representative, the absence of security poses a significant risk to his life and ability to function.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that this incident underscores a recurring pattern where administrative tools like the PSA are used not just for detention, but to systematically strip political figures of their privileges and protections. When security is linked to 'political perception' rather than an objective 'threat perception,' it creates a chilling effect on grassroots political engagement and legislative duties in sensitive regions.
The restoration of security for an elected official should be a procedural formality once legal hurdles are removed, not a political negotiation.
The legislator highlighted the disparity in treatment, noting that while other Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) enjoy escort vehicles and protection, he has been deprived of the same. Malik revealed that his formal representation dated August 3, 2026, remained unanswered by the concerned authorities, prompting the legal escalation.
The core of Malik's argument rests on his operational requirements. He frequently travels to "terror-prone areas" to conduct public meetings, interact with constituents, and engage in grassroots political work. Without an escort, these essential duties are compromised.
Responding to the petition, the High Court has directed the Security Review Coordination Committee (SRCC) to examine the threat perception associated with the legislator and reach a decision within six weeks. Mr. Malik has welcomed this move, urging the authorities to conduct an impartial and professional assessment devoid of political bias.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why was Mehraj Malik's security withdrawn?
His security was revoked following his arrest and detention under the Public Safety Act (PSA).
The court has ordered the SRCC to evaluate Malik's threat perception and provide a decision within a six-week timeframe.
