Early Times Report
Jammu, Sept 18: In a setback to Mehraj Malik, president of Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association, Nirmal K Kotwal distanced himself from legal team of Mehraj Malik.
“I wish to clarify certain issues that have come to my knowledge through social media platforms regarding Mehraj Malik, MLA”, Kotwal stated in a statement. “It has come to my notice that certain videos are in circulation wherein Mehraj Malik has allegedly stated that Jammu & Kashmir is not a part of India and has also praised terrorist Burhan Wani and terrorist Masood Azhar”, he pointed out, adding, “At the very outset, I wish to state that these videos and statements were never brought to my knowledge by the legal team of the AAP while briefing me in connection with the matter wherein Public Safety Act (PSA) has been imposed against Mehraj Malik”.
“These utterances, if true, are extremely insensitive, irresponsible, and detrimental to the cause of national security, sovereignty, and integrity of India. As an officer of the court and as a citizen of this great nation, I place the interest of the nation above all else”, Bar president clarified.
“In light of the same, and in keeping with my conscience, professional ethics, and commitment to national integrity, 1 hereby recuse myself from representing Mehraj Malik in the matter concerning the PSA proceedings. The unity and sovereignty of India are non-negotiable, and any act or statement undermining them cannot be condoned under any circumstances”, Kotwal said. |
