Jammu (J&K), Sept 18: Senior advocate Nirmal K Kotwal on Thursday recused himself from representing AAP MLA Mehraj Malik, who was recently detained under the Public Safety Act (PSA), after videos surfaced in which the legislator allegedly questioned Jammu and Kashmir’s status in India and praised militants Burhan Wani and Masood Azhar.
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Reason for Recusal
Kotwal, who also serves as president of the Jammu wing of the High Court Bar Association, said he could not represent Malik in view of the controversial remarks attributed to him. “The unity and sovereignty of India are non-negotiable, and any act or statement undermining them cannot be condoned under any circumstances,” Kotwal said in a statement.
Background
Malik (37), an AAP MLA from Doda, was detained on September 8 for allegedly disturbing public order and is currently lodged in Kathua district jail. On September 14, the Aam Aadmi Party had announced a 10-member legal team led by Kotwal to challenge Malik’s detention.
Kotwal’s Clarification
Kotwal explained that the alleged videos had not been brought to his notice by the AAP’s legal team while briefing him about the case. “It has come to my notice that certain videos are in circulation wherein Malik has allegedly stated that Jammu and Kashmir is not a part of India. In the videos he also praised militant Burhan Wani and terrorist Masood Azhar,” he said.
Calling the utterances “insensitive, irresponsible, and detrimental” to national security, Kotwal stressed that as an officer of the court and a citizen, his foremost duty was to the country. “In light of the same, and in keeping with my conscience, professional ethics, and commitment to national integrity, I hereby recuse myself from representing Malik in the matter concerning the PSA proceedings,” he added.
- Detained leader: AAP MLA Mehraj Malik (37)
- Detention date: September 8, 2025
- Detention place: Kathua district jail
- Legal development: Nirmal K Kotwal recused from representation
- Reason cited: Alleged anti-national remarks praising terrorists
Source: PTI
Labels: PSA, AAP, Jammu and Kashmir, Nirmal K Kotwal
Tags: #PSA #AAP #NirmalKKotwal #MehrajMalik #JammuKashmir
Disclaimer: This article is a rewritten summary based on reporting by PTI. Jammu News Portal does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of external content.
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