Delhi HC Seeks Yasin Malik’s Reply on NIA Death Penalty Plea in Terror Funding Case
By: Javid Amin | Srinagar | 11 Aug 2025
The Delhi High Court has asked Kashmiri separatist leader Yasin Malik, chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), to file his response within four weeks to a National Investigation Agency (NIA) plea seeking enhancement of his sentence from life imprisonment to the death penalty in a 2017 terror funding case.
Key Hearing Details
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Bench: Justices Vivek Chaudhary and Shalinder Kaur
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Current Status: Malik is serving a life term in Tihar Jail after being convicted in 2022 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and Indian Penal Code (IPC).
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Virtual Appearance: Malik was to join proceedings virtually but was not produced. The court has directed Tihar Jail authorities to ensure his online presence on November 10.
Background of the Case
In May 2022, Malik pleaded guilty to all charges, including waging war against the Government of India, criminal conspiracy, and funding terrorism. He chose not to contest the charges and declined legal representation, opting to argue in person.
The trial court sentenced him to life imprisonment rather than death, citing his voluntary admission of guilt.
NIA’s Stand
The NIA has challenged the trial court’s decision, asserting that:
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A guilty plea in such heinous crimes should not be a mitigating factor.
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Malik’s alleged acts were aimed at violently seceding Jammu and Kashmir from India.
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Such actions “strike at the heart of the idea of India” and warrant the rarest of rare punishment—death penalty.
The agency contends that allowing terrorists to avoid capital punishment simply by pleading guilty weakens the sentencing policy.
Next Steps
The High Court will next hear the matter on November 10, when Malik is expected to appear virtually. His reply to the NIA’s plea could shape one of the most high-profile terror sentencing debates in recent years.
