SC notice to JK on plea challenging Omar Abdullah’ s detention
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday sought response from the Jammu and Kashmir administration on a plea filed by Sara Abdullah Pilot challenging the detention of her brother and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah under the Public Safety Act.
A bench of justices Arun Mishra and Indira Banerjee issued notice to the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir on Pilot’s plea and posted the matter for further hearing on March 2. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Pilot, told the apex court that it is a habeas corpus petition and Omar has been kept in detention since August 4 last year.
Habeas corpus is a writ seeking production of person, who has allegedly been in illegal detention, before a court. “He was in detention under section 107 of the CrPC. Now, he has been detained under the PSA,” Sibal said. To this, the bench asked him, “What are the grounds of detention? Let us see.”
Sibal referred to the dossier handed over to Omar by the Superintendent of Police and said the grounds of detention are already mentioned there. He said the dossier claimed that Omar has been detained under the PSA to avoid statements by the political leader, prevent violence and maintenance of law and order.
All Kashmiris should have same rights as other citizens of country: Sara Abdullah
Sara Abdullah Pilot, sister of former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah, on Friday said all Kashmiris should have the same rights as other citizens of the country. Sara said she was hopeful of an early hearing as it was “a habeas corpus case and the relief would be sooner.” She said that she and her family had full faith in the justice system. “We are here because we want all Kashmiris should have the same rights as the citizens of India and we are waiting for that day,” she said and did not take any further questions from journalists. Earlier, the Supreme Court issued a notice to the Jammu and Kashmir administration on the plea challenging Abdullah’s detention under the Public Safety Act.