SRINAGAR: A petition has been filed with the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh requesting the release of Senior Advocate Nazir Ahmad Ronga, who is detained under the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act, 1978.
According to a report, the habeas corpus petition, submitted by Ronga’s wife Bilquees Ronga, claims that the allegations used to justify his detention are unfounded and malicious
The petition argues that the detention order is retaliatory and should be annulled. It also contends that the authorities did not follow legal procedures as outlined in the Supreme Court’s DK Basu case. Additionally, the petition seeks ₹60 lakhs in compensation for alleged illegal detention and torture, asserting that the detention has damaged Ronga’s reputation and career prospects.
The High Court is expected to hear the matter on September 18, 2024.
Ronga was detained by Jammu and Kashmir police at 1:10 AM on July 11 from his residence in Nishat, Srinagar. Initially held at the Nishat police station, he was later transferred to Kot Bhalwal jail in Jammu. His family was not informed of his detention under the Public Safety Act at the time. The detention order was issued by the District Magistrate, Srinagar, on July 10, aiming to prevent actions prejudicial to state security.
Ronga has previously served as President of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association. He was detained under the Public Safety Act in 2023 prior to the abrogation of Article 370. The Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act allows for six-month detention without trial and has faced constitutional challenges since the abrogation of Article 370.
