Delhi HC calls for report from jail on non-appearance of Yasin Malik in terror case

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday (October 14, 2026) called for a report from the jail authorities on the non-appearance of separatist leader Yasin Malik from prison in a terror funding case.

A Bench of Justices Navin Chawla and Arun Bhardwaj noted that Mr. Malik was to be produced before the court virtually.

“Respondent (Malik) had to be produced virtually before us. However, it is not done. Let a report in this regard be called from the jail superintendent concerned,” the Bench said.

The Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front chief (JKLF) chairman is lodged in Tihar jail where he is serving a life term in the case.

On Dec 9

The court listed the matter for further hearing on December 9 and directed that on that day, Mr. Malik be made to join the proceedings virtually.

The court was hearing a plea by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) seeking death penalty for Mr. Malik in the terror funding case.

Mr. Malik had earlier said he wishes to argue in-person against the NIA’s plea seeking enhancement of his punishment from life term to death penalty.

On May 29, 2023, the high court issued notice to Mr. Malik on the NIA’s plea and sought his presence before it on the next date.

Subsequently, jail authorities filed an application seeking permission for his virtual appearance on grounds that he was a “very high-risk prisoner” and it was imperative to not physically produce him in court to maintain public order and safety.

The request was allowed by the high court.