JAMMU: Senior Advocate Nirmal K. Kotwal on Thursday announced that he will no longer represent Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislator Mehraj Malik in proceedings related to the Public Safety Act (PSA). The decision comes after the circulation of alleged videos containing controversial remarks attributed to Malik.
In a statement, Kotwal said he had been unaware of the videos when he initially took up the case. The alleged clips reportedly show Malik making provocative statements, including claims that Jammu and Kashmir is not a part of India, as well as purported praise for slain militant Burhan Wani and Pakistan-based militant leader Masood Azhar.
Describing the remarks as “extremely insensitive, irresponsible, and detrimental to national security and sovereignty,” Kotwal stressed that his professional and personal ethics would not allow him to continue as Malik’s counsel in the matter.
“The unity and sovereignty of India are non-negotiable, and any act or statement undermining them cannot be condoned under any circumstances,” Kotwal stated. He added that his responsibility as a senior advocate was not only to his client but also to the Constitution and the nation. [KNT]
