Centre agrees to release Jammu and Kashmir lawyer Mian Abdul Qayoom immediately

The Central govt on Wednesday told the Supreme Court that Mian Abdul Qayoom, advocate and president of Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association, will be released from detention immediately.

New Delhi: After detaining advocate and president of Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association, Mian Abdul Qayoom, for around a year under the Public Safety Act, the centre on Wednesday informed the Supreme Court that it is ready to release Qayoom immediately.

However, Qayoom will not be allowed to leave Delhi till 7th of August and is also barred from making any statements to media, as suggested by the apex court.

Centre's response came over the court's order which had asked it to consider to release Qayoom on bail till 6th August after which his period of detention would expire anyway and the government did not intend to extend the detention post the expiry date.

Last year after Article 370 was abrogated, Qayoom was detained after which he had approached the top court for bail. He had contended that he was arrested on baseless charges and without any intimidation and therefore should be released.

The court did not grant bail in earlier hearings but had issued a notice in the matter and had also asked the authorities to provide him with clothes and basic amenities.

Qayoom's advocate asked to allow his release tomorrow so that his family can receive him. SG Tushar Mehta appearing for the government agreed.