Srinagar: Kashmiri Terrorist Yasin Malik informed the Delhi High Court on Friday that he intends to personally argue and defend himself against the National Investigation Agency’s (NIA) plea seeking the death penalty for him in a terror funding case. Malik rejected the suggestion from a bench of justices Suresh Kumar Kait and Girish Kathpalia to appoint a lawyer of his choice or an amicus curiae to assist him in the legal proceedings.

During the hearing, Malik emphasized that there had been no law-and-order issues during his physical appearance in the trial court and saw no reason why he couldn't be physically present in the High Court as well. The court, however, reminded Malik of its August 4, 2023, order directing Tihar prison authorities to produce him virtually rather than in person. The bench urged Malik to reconsider its suggestion of appointing a lawyer.

The bench noted that the case required "substantial hearing" from Malik’s side, which might not be feasible through a virtual appearance. The court granted Malik time to decide if he wanted to respond to the NIA's plea or submit written arguments with relevant case laws. "He can think again and inform the court on the next date of hearing," the court added.

The August 4, 2023, order came after authorities filed an application seeking to modify the court's May 29 order, which had allowed Malik's physical presence, citing significant security concerns. The court directed that Malik be produced virtually, in line with the Union Home Ministry’s order, which stated that Malik could neither be moved from Tihar Jail nor taken out of the national capital’s jurisdiction.

The NIA had approached the Delhi High Court in May last year, seeking the death penalty for Malik after a trial court sentenced him to life imprisonment. Malik was found guilty under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Indian Penal Code after pleading guilty to charges of terror funding, spreading terrorism, and secessionist activities in Kashmir in 2017.

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