SC Sends Notices To Centre, J & K Admin On Omar Abdullah's Detention Under PSA

The Supreme Court has sent notices to the Union government and the J & K administration on a plea challenging the detention of former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister, Omar Abdullah under Public Safety Act (PSA). The Supreme Court posted further arguments in the case to March 2. In effect, Omar Abdullah gets no immediate relief in the matter, according to legal experts.

Omar Abdullah's sister, Sara Abdullah Pilot, filed a petition challenging the former chief minister's detention under the draconian PSA. The petition has sought quashing of the February 5 order under which Omar Abdullah was held using provisions of the PSA.

Sara Abdullah Pilot also asked the apex court to direct the government to produce the former J & K chief minister before the court. The petitioner argued that using powers under the CrPC to detain individuals, including political leaders, was "mala fide to ensure that the opposition to the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution is silenced".

Sara Abdullah Pilot claimed out that the idea appeared to be to put the entire leadership of the National Conference, as well as the leadership of other political parties, behind bars. She argued that in the house-arrest of Omar Abdullah on August 5, 2019, there has been a grave violation of Articles 14, 21 and 22 of the Constitution.

The petition further suggests that in Jammu and Kashmir there has been exercise which hints at a consistent and concerted effort to muzzle all political rivals.While speaking to the media, Sara Abdullah Pilot has reposed full faith in the judiciary.