Overview
- Nirmal K Kotwal recused himself from representing Mehraj Malik in PSA proceedings after viewing circulating videos he called objectionable.
- Kotwal said the clips, purportedly showing Malik claiming Jammu and Kashmir is not part of India and praising Burhan Wani and Masood Azhar, were not disclosed to him by AAP’s legal team.
- He cited conscience, professional ethics, and national integrity in stepping aside, stating that India’s unity and sovereignty are non‑negotiable.
- Malik was detained under the Public Safety Act on September 8 for allegedly disturbing public order and is lodged in Kathua district jail.
- AAP had named a 10‑member team led by Kotwal on September 14 to challenge the detention, while Malik also faces multiple FIRs including a September 6 case over a health centre dispute.