Tihar jail authorities on Monday informed the Delhi High Court that separatist leader Yasin Malik ended his hunger strike on November 8, 2024.
The authorities confirmed that Malik is receiving the necessary medical care as per jail regulations. This comes after Malik, convicted in terror-related cases, sought admission to AIIMS, citing deteriorating health.
The authorities, including the Centre, opposed Malik’s petition, requesting more time to review the medical status report provided by the jail. The court, led by Justice Jasmeet Singh, scheduled the next hearing for November 18. In the meantime, it instructed Tihar jail authorities to ensure that Malik receives appropriate medical attention as per jail rules.
Malik’s lawyer expressed dissatisfaction with the rescheduled hearing and stated that the legal team would visit Malik at Tihar Jail later that day to verify the claim that Malik had ended his hunger strike.
Earlier in the week, the Delhi High Court issued a notice to the Centre, the Director General of Tihar Jail, and other concerned parties in response to Malik’s petition. Malik, who claims to have been on hunger strike since November 1, alleges that Tihar Jail authorities have denied him necessary medical treatment, leading to his protest.
He has requested the court to direct the authorities to provide records of his medical treatment and ensure he receives appropriate care at AIIMS or another super-specialty hospital.
Malik’s petition also calls for the authorities to present him before the courts in the National Capital Territory of Delhi whenever his presence is required. This is not the first time Malik has raised concerns over inadequate medical care.
Earlier this year, he approached the Delhi High Court, citing severe cardiac and kidney issues and claiming that his medical needs were not being addressed.
In addition to these legal proceedings, Malik’s political activities continue to attract attention. Recently, the UAPA Tribunal upheld the Union Ministry of Home Affairs’ (MHA) decision to extend the ban on the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) for another 5 years. The MHA had extended the ban on March 15, 2024, citing the group’s involvement in unlawful activities.
Despite Malik’s claims of renouncing violence and adopting a Gandhian approach, the Tribunal pointed to his connections with terrorist groups and his visit to a terrorist camp in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK).
The Delhi High Court is also reviewing an appeal from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) seeking the imposition of the death penalty for Malik in a terror funding case. The NIA has accused Malik of orchestrating attacks, including the killing of four Indian Air Force personnel and the kidnapping of Rubaiya Sayeed.
It was also highlighted that several terrorists released following the kidnapping later played a role in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
