Delhi High Court Judge Steps Down from Yasin Malik’s Death Penalty Case

Justice Amit Sharma of the Delhi High Court has recused himself from hearing the National Investigation Agency’s (NIA) appeal seeking the death penalty for Kashmiri separatist leader Yasin Malik in a terror funding case. The case will now be heard on August 9 by a different bench.

In May 2023, the NIA challenged a court order that sentenced Malik to life imprisonment. The NIA argues that Malik’s actions, including the killing of four Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel and the kidnapping of Rubaiya Sayeed, justify the death penalty. They also claim that Malik received training in Pakistan and led terrorist activities in Kashmir with the help of foreign organizations.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the NIA, stated that Malik’s crimes have caused irreparable damage to the nation and its soldiers. The NIA believes that not imposing the death penalty would undermine the country’s sentencing policy and allow terrorists to avoid severe punishment by pleading guilty.

Previously, a trial court sentenced Malik to life imprisonment and imposed a fine of over Rs 10 lakh. The court noted that Malik had not shown any regret for his violent actions and that his crimes were committed with the assistance of foreign powers and designated terrorists.