Delhi High Court directs Tihar Jail to ensure Yasin Malik receives medical care during his hunger strike.
The Delhi High Court instructed Tihar jail officials to ensure that separatist leader Yasin Malik receives the medical care he needs. Malik, who is serving a life sentence for a terror-related case, is reportedly on a hunger strike. Justice Anoop Kumar Mendiratta issued a notice to the Centre, the Delhi government, and Tihar Jail authorities regarding a request for Malik’s medical treatment and asked for a health status report. Malik’s lawyer stated that he has been on a hunger strike since November 1 and needs urgent hospitalization. The Court ordered, “Issue notice. Let the jail superintendent provide the medical status report of the petitioner. Additionally, considering the lawyer’s statements, the jail superintendent must ensure that the petitioner receives necessary medical treatment as per jail regulations.”
Malik was sentenced to life imprisonment by a Delhi trial court on May 24, 2022, after being found guilty of multiple offenses under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The National Investigation Agency has appealed to the high court to increase his life sentence to the death penalty. In his appeal, Malik stated that he suffers from serious heart and kidney issues and is in a “life and death situation.” The plea mentioned that there were times when Malik was seriously ill or needed to appear in court, but due to restrictions under Section 268 of the CrPC, he was neither taken to the hospital nor presented in court.
The request also stated that since Malik is a political figure, the authorities ignored his demands for a thorough health check. “Due to the wrongful and careless actions of the respondents, the petitioner has been experiencing inconsistent treatment and weight loss, making every part of his body at risk,” the request noted. Malik had previously filed a similar request for medical care, which the court dismissed after considering his examination by doctors at AIIMS and the medical support he received. The case is set to be heard on November 11.
Cause Title: Mohammad Yasin Malik v. Union of India & Ors.
Appearance:
Petitioner: Advocates Md. Irshad Harif, M. Asad Beig and Khalid Azeer
