On Friday, the Delhi High Court directed Tihar Jail authorities to provide necessary medical treatment to separatist leader Yasin Malik, who is reportedly on a hunger strike since November 1. The court issued notices to the Centre, Delhi government, and Tihar Jail officials, seeking a health status report of Malik.
Justice Anoop Kumar Mendiratta, while addressing a plea for Malik’s medical care, instructed that the jail authorities ensure that he receives the required treatment as per jail rules. The court also called for a medical status report from the jail superintendent.
Malik, who was sentenced to life imprisonment in May 2022 by a Delhi trial court under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and IPC, has been claiming to suffer from severe cardiac and kidney ailments. His plea stated that he is in a critical “life and death situation” and that he has not received proper medical attention despite multiple requests.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has appealed to the Delhi High Court to increase Malik’s life sentence to the death penalty. Malik’s counsel argued that his client has been denied appropriate healthcare, leading to significant weight loss and vulnerability due to irregular and inadequate medical treatment in Tihar Jail.
This is not the first time Malik has sought medical attention through the courts. A previous plea for treatment was disposed of after the court was informed that he had been examined by doctors at AIIMS and was receiving necessary care. The next hearing for this case is scheduled for November 11.
