The Delhi High Court has directed Tihar Jail authorities to submit a report after separatist leader Yasin Malik failed to appear for a scheduled virtual hearing on Wednesday. The court is currently hearing the National Investigation Agency's appeal to enhance Malik's 2022 life sentence to the death penalty in a terror funding case.
The Delhi High Court expressed dissatisfaction on Wednesday after separatist leader Yasin Malik failed to appear for a scheduled virtual hearing. A division bench comprising Justices Navin Chawla and Arun Bhardwaj directed the Tihar Jail superintendent to submit a formal report explaining why the prisoner was not produced for the proceedings via video conferencing.
The matter relates to an ongoing appeal filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is seeking to enhance the life sentence awarded to Malik in May 2022. The agency has challenged the sentencing in a terror funding case, arguing for the death penalty based on the severity of the charges filed under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
Due to his classification as a high-risk prisoner, the High Court had previously mandated that Malik participate in all court proceedings through remote video conferencing rather than physical transport to the court premises. The bench emphasized the importance of adhering to procedural orders, noting that the presence of the accused is essential for the legal process to move forward.
The court is currently evaluating the merits of the NIA's appeal, which claims that the initial sentencing did not adequately reflect the gravity of the offenses involved. The proceedings have now been listed for the next hearing on December 9, 2026, with strict instructions for the jail authorities to ensure the necessary virtual arrangements are successfully completed for that date.