Court Deliberates Health of Separatist Leader Yasin Malik in Jail

Yasin Malik, a convicted separatist leader, ended his hunger strike in Tihar Jail. A court is hearing his plea for medical treatment amid allegations of rights violations. Authorities deny his claims as they prepare a report. The Tribunal supports extending the ban on his group, the JKLF.

On Monday, Tihar jail authorities informed the Delhi High Court that separatist leader Yasin Malik, who was on a hunger strike, ended his protest on November 8, 2024. The jail assured the court that Malik is receiving medical care as per regulations, even as they opposed Malik's petition for admission to AIIMS due to his alleged declining health. Authorities sought more time to review a medical status report before responding.

Justice Jasmeet Singh, noting these submissions, set the next hearing for November 18. Meanwhile, the court ordered that Malik continues receiving suitable medical treatment, abiding by jail norms. Malik's lawyer expressed dissatisfaction with the postponed hearing and plans to visit him at Tihar Jail to verify claims about the hunger strike's cessation.

The Delhi High Court had earlier issued notices to the Centre and Tihar Jail officials following a plea from the separatist leader, who alleged a denial of essential medical care since November 1 due to his hunger strike. The court requested a report on Malik's medical condition and instructed the jail to ensure he receives necessary healthcare in alignment with prison rules.

Convicted Kashmiri separatist leader Yasin Malik, detained at Tihar Jail, petitioned the Delhi High Court, citing a denial of basic rights, such as proper medical attention, since beginning his hunger strike on November 1. Malik demands the Tihar Jail Authority provide his medical treatment records. He also seeks court orders for his referral to AIIMS or another specialized hospital for adequate health care.

Malik further requests court instructions for his presence in needed legal proceedings within Delhi. Previously, Malik had approached the court over insufficient medical treatment and significant heart and kidney ailments.

The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act Tribunal recently upheld the Ministry of Home Affairs' decision to extend the ban on Malik's group, the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), for an additional five years due to ongoing illicit activities. Despite Malik's claims of renouncing violence, the Tribunal emphasized his continuing affiliations with terrorist entities and a visit to a terrorist camp in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, where he was honored.

The Delhi High Court is also reviewing an NIA appeal seeking the death penalty for Malik for his role in a terror funding case. The NIA, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, accused Malik of orchestrating the deaths of four Indian Air Force personnel and involvement in the kidnapping of Rubaiya Sayeed, linking him to the release of terrorists later involved in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

(With inputs from agencies.)