New Delhi, Nov 28: The Delhi High Court on Friday directed Tihar Jail authorities to ensure that separatist leader Yasin Malik receives appropriate medical treatment while serving his life sentence in a terror-related case.
Justice Neena Bansal Krishna observed that as per the report submitted by Tihar authorities, Malik does not appear to be suffering from any life-threatening ailment. However, the court ordered that if the required treatment is unavailable inside the prison facility, Malik should be taken to a hospital equipped to provide such medical care.
“The petitioner has relied on medical documents from 2017. Apparently, from the report received from Tihar Jail, it does not seem that he is suffering from any life-threatening ailment,” the court noted.
The court disposed of the plea with directions that Malik be provided medical care as per his condition, including treatment outside the jail if necessary.
Malik had approached the court seeking specialised medical treatment at AIIMS or any other super-speciality hospital in Delhi or Srinagar. His counsel argued that Malik is a cardiac patient, and since Tihar Jail lacks a cardiologist, he should be shifted to AIIMS.
Opposing the plea, the counsel representing the Centre termed Malik a “high-risk prisoner” and said a fresh order has been issued restricting his movement outside Tihar and beyond the jurisdiction of the national capital.
It was further submitted that Malik has gone on hunger strikes multiple times—July 2022, December 2023, August 2024, and September 2024—during which he refused food and medication, compelling authorities to intervene medically to prevent complications.
In his plea, Malik claimed he is suffering from “serious cardiac and kidney ailments” and alleged that restrictions imposed under Section 268 CrPC have prevented him from receiving required medical treatment and attending trial proceedings.
Yasin Malik was sentenced to life imprisonment on May 24, 2022, after being convicted under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Indian Penal Code. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has already filed an appeal before the High Court seeking enhancement of his sentence to the death penalty.
Malik had earlier filed a similar plea for medical treatment, which was disposed of after he was examined by medical specialists at AIIMS and provided treatment as required.
(Agencies)
