SC notice to JK on plea challenging Omar's detention, posts matter to March 2

The Supreme Court on Friday sought response from the Jammu and Kashmir administration on a plea filed by Sara Abdullah Pilot challenging the detention of her brother and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah under the Public Safety Act.

A bench of justices Arun Mishra and Indira Banerjee issued notice to the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir on Pilot's plea and posted the matter for further hearing on March 2.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Pilot, told the apex court that it is a habeas corpus petition and Omar has been kept in detention since August 4 last year.

Habeas corpus is a writ seeking production of person, who has allegedly been in illegal detention, before a court.

"He was in detention under section 107 of the CrPC. Now, he has been detained under the PSA," Sibal said.

To this, the bench asked him, "What are the grounds of detention? Let us see."
To this, the bench said, "It can't be heard overnight. Sorry."