Yasin Malik Insists on Self-Representation in High Court Despite Security Concerns
Kashmiri separatist leader Yasin Malik informed the Delhi High Court on Friday of his decision to represent himself in the ongoing plea by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) seeking the death penalty in a terror funding case. Malik, who appeared virtually from Tihar Jail, rejected the court’s suggestions to appoint a lawyer or amicus curiae, emphasizing his right to a fair trial and his preference to argue his case personally.
The court, noting Malik’s prior conviction and life sentence under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for terror-related activities, had previously ruled for his virtual appearance due to heavy security concerns. The NIA’s plea for the death penalty was filed after Malik’s guilty plea in 2017 for terror funding and secessionist activities.
The bench of Justices Suresh Kumar Kait and Girish Kathpalia granted Malik additional time to reconsider the court’s advice on legal representation. The court highlighted that substantial hearings required Malik’s in-person presence, urging him to weigh the option of legal assistance before the next hearing.
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