Srinagar: The High Court of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir issued divergent rulings on the application of the controversial Public Safety Act (PSA) involving two Kashmiri youths. While the court ordered the release of one individual, it upheld the detention of another, reflecting the ongoing legal and human rights debates in the region.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Justice Sanjay Dhar presided over the cases, deciding to quash the PSA for Musavir Ahmad Butt of Srinagar and ordering his immediate release. The decision came after a review of the grounds for his detention under the act, which has been criticized for its broad application against individuals advocating for peace and freedom in Kashmir.
Conversely, the court upheld the detention under the PSA of Imran Mushtaq from Pulwama district, who has been in custody since November 3, 2022. The authorities argued that Mushtaq was closely associated with a youth previously killed by Indian troops, a claim that influenced the court’s decision to maintain his detention.
These rulings highlight the contentious nature of the PSA, often referred to locally as a “black law,” and its impact on the youth of Kashmir. The cases continue to stir significant attention and debate over the balance between national security and individual rights in the volatile region.