The Delhi High Court on Friday intervened in the health concerns of jailed separatist leader Yasin Malik, directing Tihar Jail authorities to provide him with the necessary medical treatment. Malik, who is serving a life sentence in connection with a terror case, has reportedly been on a hunger strike since November 1. Justice Anoop Kumar Mendiratta issued a notice to the Centre, Delhi government, and Tihar Jail authorities based on a plea that highlighted Malik’s urgent health needs, particularly requesting hospital admission due to his deteriorating condition.
During the hearing, Malik’s counsel emphasized the severity of his health issues, prompting the court to order a swift medical status report from the jail superintendent. “Let medical status report of the petitioner be called from the jail superintendent. Furthermore, considering 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,” Justice Mendiratta stated.
Malik was sentenced to life imprisonment by a Delhi trial court on May 24, 2022, after being found guilty of charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Subsequently, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has appealed for an enhancement of Malik’s sentence to the death penalty.
In his plea to the high court, Malik described himself as suffering from “serious cardiac and kidney ailments,” which he claimed put him in a life-threatening situation. He also alleged that there have been instances where his critical health condition or mandatory court appearances were neglected due to restrictions that confined him to Tihar Jail and the vicinity of Delhi under Section 268 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).
The plea accused the authorities of malfeasance and negligence, claiming that Malik, as a political figure, had been denied adequate health investigations and care. “Aggrieved by the malafide and negligent acts of the respondents, the petitioner has been suffering rash, irregular treatment, and weight loss, making every organ of the petitioner vulnerable,” the document stated.
