The Delhi High Court is scheduled to hear the National Investigation Agency’s (NIA) petition seeking the death penalty for Kashmiri separatist leader Yasin Malik on September 15. Malik, who is currently serving a life sentence for funding terrorism, has declared his intention to personally argue his case rather than using legal representation.
During today’s court session, Malik informed the High Court of his decision to represent himself. The Court inquired whether he would like to submit a reply on case laws and related documents. Malik requested additional time to consider this, and the Court has granted his request.
The NIA’s petition argues that Malik should face the death penalty similar to the fate of Osama bin Laden. This petition is being reviewed by a bench led by Justice Suresh Kait. Earlier, Justice Amit Sharma had recused himself from the case on July 11 due to his prior role as a prosecutor for the NIA in 2010. The case was subsequently reassigned to the Chief Justice of the High Court.
In the previous hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the NIA, argued that Malik’s confession was strategically made to evade the death penalty. Mehta contended that despite Malik’s acknowledgment of his crimes, the severity of his offenses warrants the death penalty, as opposed to the life imprisonment he received.
On May 25, 2022, Malik was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Patiala House Court for murder and terrorism funding, and fined Rs 10 lakh under Section 17 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Malik had confessed to his crimes on May 10, 2022.
