New Delhi: The Jammu & Kashmir Union Territory administration today filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court, saying that political detainee Saifuddin Soz neither detained nor has been under house arrest after abrogation of Article 370 in the valley.
In this, the administration has completely denied Soz’s wife Mumtazunnisa’s claim in the Apex Court that Soz has been under house arrest.
The UT’s home department has said the former Union minister was never under any kind of restraint, and that he was always free to move.
In its affidavit, the home department’s Special Secretary has said: “There is no restriction on movement of Prof Saifuddin Soz to any place, subject to security clearance which is contingent upon law and order and security situation of that area. Prof Soz has never been placed under any detention, as alleged.”
Senior Advocate AM Singhvi argued: “They claim in para 5, 7 & 13 said he is free but, it’s contrary to facts. Soz was kept in illegal house detention. Now they say there is no detention.”
With this Singhvi drew the attention of the court to a counter filed by the J&K administration.
Justice MR Shah said: “Come to para 10 of the counter.”
Justice Mishra said: “In view of the reply filed, the plea is disposed of. We will not enter any further.”
The court disposed of the matter taking into account J&K administration’s counter.
– India Legal Bureau