SC Directs Yasin Malik to Appear Virtually in Jammu Court on March 7
Srinagar, February 21, 2025 – The Supreme Court has directed Yasin Malik, the jailed chief of the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), to appear in a Jammu court via video-conferencing from Tihar Jail on March 7. This decision was made by a bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan, who noted that the Jammu sessions court is well-equipped with the necessary video-conferencing system to facilitate the virtual examination.
Background of the Case
Yasin Malik is facing trial in two significant cases: the 1989 kidnapping of Rubaiya Sayeed, daughter of former Union Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed, and the 1990 Srinagar shootout case, in which four Indian Air Force personnel were killed. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has sought the transfer of these trials from Jammu to New Delhi, citing security concerns and the need for a fair trial.
Supreme Court’s Decision
During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the CBI, informed the court that the video-conferencing system in the Jammu court was functioning properly, as confirmed by the registrar general of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court. The Supreme Court had previously directed the registrar general to ensure that the video-conferencing facilities were in place for the trial.
The CBI argued that Malik, who is serving a life term in Tihar Jail, poses a threat to national security and should not be allowed to be taken outside the jail premises. The Supreme Court agreed with this assessment and directed that Malik should appear virtually for the trial.
Implications of the Decision
This decision is expected to expedite the trial process, which has faced delays due to various legal and logistical challenges. The virtual appearance will ensure that the trial proceeds without compromising security or the integrity of the judicial process.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s directive for Yasin Malik to appear virtually in the Jammu court on March 7 underscores the importance of leveraging technology to facilitate judicial proceedings while addressing security concerns. This move is a significant step towards ensuring a fair and efficient trial for the high-profile cases involving Malik.
