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J&K: Mufti Criticizes Court Ruling on Kashmiri Undertrials, Alleges Political Bias

Srinagar, December 27, 2025 – Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti has strongly criticized a recent J&K High Court order dismissing her Public Interest Litigation (PIL) regarding the transfer of Kashmiri undertrials to prisons outside the region. Mufti claims the court’s decision was “surprising, unfortunate, and focused on politics but not reason.”

The High Court on December 23rd dismissed the PIL, stating it was “driven by political considerations rather than genuine public interest” and that Mufti, as a third party, had failed to establish bona fide public interest.

Mufti argues that the court failed to recognize the pain and suffering of families with relatives detained for extended periods, often without trial, and that her efforts to seek details from the Union Home Minister, Home Secretary, J&K Chief Secretary, and Director General Prisons have been ignored since 2019, when many youths were arrested and shifted outside.

She called upon Members of Parliament from the ruling National Conference (NC) to investigate the details of the undertrials, as the PDP currently lacks parliamentary representation. Mufti also urged the J&K government to provide legal aid to the families, many of whom are unable to afford the expenses associated with visiting their relatives.

Furthermore, Mufti called on NC legislators to form a committee to visit jails outside J&K and assess the conditions of Kashmiri undertrials. The PDP president stated that the party is discussing the court order and plans to take fresh measures to address the issue, ensuring it remains a priority.

The controversy surrounding the undertrials continues to be a sensitive issue in the region, raising concerns about due process and the rights of detainees.

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