Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Court Orders J&K to Ensure Jailed AAP MLA Votes After Postal Ballots Sent

A hearing on Mehraj Malik’s request to attend the assembly in person is scheduled for October 27.

Overview

  • Government counsel told Justice Rajesh Sekhri that postal ballots have been dispatched to enable Mehraj Malik to participate in the October 24 Rajya Sabha polls.
  • The High Court directed authorities to ensure he can cast his vote in accordance with law and asked the registry to place the government’s reply on record.
  • Officials said returning officer Manoj Pandit sent three postal ballots to Kathua jail, with Malik’s identity to be certified by a declaration from the jail superintendent.
  • Malik seeks permission to attend the Srinagar assembly session starting October 23, and the court set October 27 to consider that request.
  • Detained under the Public Safety Act since September 8 in Kathua jail, Malik also has a habeas corpus case pending with a government counter due by November 7, as this Rajya Sabha contest allows each legislator three votes with two seats polled together.