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Agriculture
J&K High Court lifts PSA detention of farmer, calls claim ‘fairy story’
✍️ The Indian Express
🗓 19 Oct 2026, 11:31 AM
👁 13
The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has set aside the detention of a farmer under the Public Safety Act, describing the allegations as unfounded.
The Jammu and Kashmir High Court on Tuesday overturned the detention of a farmer who had been held under the Public Safety Act (PSA). In its judgment, the court described the prosecution's narrative as a “fairy story” lacking factual basis and ordered the farmer's release.
The PSA, a controversial law that allows authorities to detain individuals for up to two years without trial, has frequently been used against alleged militants and, increasingly, against civilians. The court’s decision highlights growing judicial scrutiny of the act’s application in the region.
Legal counsel for the farmer argued that the detention was arbitrary and that no concrete evidence had been presented. The bench concurred, noting procedural lapses and the absence of credible proof.
Following the ruling, the farmer was escorted out of custody and returned to his home village. Human rights groups welcomed the verdict, calling it a step toward safeguarding civil liberties in Jammu and Kashmir.
The case may prompt a review of other PSA detentions, as courts across the state examine the balance between security concerns and individual rights.
The PSA, a controversial law that allows authorities to detain individuals for up to two years without trial, has frequently been used against alleged militants and, increasingly, against civilians. The court’s decision highlights growing judicial scrutiny of the act’s application in the region.
Legal counsel for the farmer argued that the detention was arbitrary and that no concrete evidence had been presented. The bench concurred, noting procedural lapses and the absence of credible proof.
Following the ruling, the farmer was escorted out of custody and returned to his home village. Human rights groups welcomed the verdict, calling it a step toward safeguarding civil liberties in Jammu and Kashmir.
The case may prompt a review of other PSA detentions, as courts across the state examine the balance between security concerns and individual rights.