J&K HC orders release of four South Kashmir detainees, quashes PSA detention

SRINAGAR — The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has invalidated the detention orders under the Public Safety Act (PSA) against four individuals, directing their immediate release unless wanted in other cases.

In a ruling on separately filed petitions, a bench presided over by Justice Vinod Chatterji Koul annulled the detention orders against Ghowhar Ahmad Bhat of Cheermarg Zainapora Shopian, Irshad Ahmad Bhat of Nildong Batapora Shopian, Nadeem Ayoub Itoo of Mohammadpora Kulgam, and Arshid Ahmad Mir of Brakpora Anantnag.

Ghowhar Ahmad Bhat and Irshad Ahmad Bhat were detained under orders dated June 28, 2022, and June 20, 2022, respectively, issued by the District Magistrate of Shopian. Nadeem Ayoub Itoo’s detention stemmed from an order dated June 11, 2022, by the District Magistrate of Kulgam, while Arshid Ahmad Mir was held based on a directive dated September 1, 2022, from the District Magistrate of Anantnag.

The court’s directive mandated the immediate release of these individuals, provided they were not implicated in other legal proceedings.

Authorities have been instructed to ensure the expeditious liberty of the detainees unless their involvement is required in alternative cases.