The Delhi High Court has directed Tihar Jail authorities to provide necessary medical treatment to separatist leader Yasin Malik, who is currently serving a life sentence in a terror case and is reportedly on a hunger strike. The court’s order, issued on Friday, came after Malik’s counsel raised concerns about his deteriorating health and the urgent need for hospital admission.
Justice Anoop Kumar Mendiratta, while hearing Malik’s plea, issued notices to the Centre, Delhi government, and Tihar Jail authorities. The court also instructed the jail superintendent to submit a report detailing Malik’s medical status.
Malik, a prominent separatist leader, has been on a hunger strike since November 1, 2024, and his counsel emphasized the severity of his health conditions. According to the plea, Malik suffers from serious cardiac and kidney ailments and is in a critical “life and death situation.” His counsel argued that despite repeated requests, Malik has not been granted proper medical attention or a thorough health investigation, despite his condition worsening.
“Issue notice. Let the medical status report of the petitioner be called from the jail superintendent. Further, keeping in perspective the submissions made by the counsel for the petitioner, the superintendent of the jail is directed to ensure that necessary medical treatment is provided to the petitioner in accordance with the jail rules,” the court ordered.
Malik was sentenced to life imprisonment by a Delhi trial court on May 24, 2022, after being convicted on multiple charges under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The case involved his alleged involvement in a terror funding conspiracy.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has since filed an appeal in the Delhi High Court, seeking to enhance his sentence to the death penalty, arguing for a maximum punishment based on the gravity of his offenses.
Malik, in his plea before the High Court, claimed that despite several instances where his presence was required either in court or for medical emergencies, he had been denied appropriate treatment and hospital care. His counsel added that Malik’s condition has worsened due to what they described as “rash, irregular treatment” by the authorities, resulting in severe weight loss and vulnerability of his organs.
The Delhi High Court’s intervention comes amid growing concerns about Malik’s health, and the order highlights the responsibility of authorities to ensure the well-being of prisoners, particularly those facing serious health issues. The ongoing hunger strike has further intensified the urgency for proper medical attention.
Sources By Agencies
