Srinagar, May 14 -- "The respondents (authorities) were obliged to consider the representation with all sincerity and had the option to accept or reject the same after taking into consideration all aspects of the matter. The consideration by the respondents is not a mere formality but required to be carried out without any exception," a bench of Justice Puneet Gupta said while quashing detention order against one Inayat Rashid Bhat of Jumlanpora, Sindhbal, Ganderbal passed by the district magistrate of the central Kashmir district last year.

The court subsequently directed authorities to release Bhat from the custody provided if he is not required in any other case.

The court also quashed the detention order under PSA against Ajaz Ahmed...