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Synopsis

The Delhi High Court was assured by the Central government on Wednesday that it would ensure all necessary medical treatment for Jailed Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) terrorist Yasin Malik whenever required.

Advocate Rajat Nair, representing the Union government, conveyed this commitment before Justice Anoop Kumar Mendiratta, which was duly recorded by the court.

"The respondent (Union of India) submits that they are duty-bound to provide necessary medical treatment to the petitioner (Malik) as and when required in accordance with the law," the court ordered.

Consequently, the high court disposed of Malik's petition, wherein he sought directions to be transferred to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) for cardiac and kidney ailment treatment.

In a previous hearing, the court had directed the government to furnish a status report regarding Malik's medical condition.

During the last hearing, Nair opposed the petition, challenged its maintainability, and argued that Malik only needs outpatient department (OPD) treatment and does not require admission to the hospital.

Advocate Rajat Nair informed the bench that AIIMS had constituted a medical board to examine Malik through video conference, but he declined to meet them. Nair emphasized that Malik considered a "very high-risk prisoner," would receive all necessary medical facilities in jail.

Malik's counsel expressed "no objection" to disposing of the plea if the government assured proper medical attention.

Currently, Malik is serving life imprisonment in connection with a terror funding case. However, the NIA has moved the high court seeking capital punishment for him. The matter is pending for consideration before a division bench of the high court. 

The JKLF terrorist was convicted on May 19, 2022, in connection with the Jammu and Kashmir terror funding and secessionist activities case. The sentence was pronounced on May 25, 2022. NIA Judge Praveen Singh sentenced Mailk to life imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs. 10 lakhs.

On May 10, 2022, the flag bearer of JKLF pleaded guilty before the NIA court to all charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Case Title: Mohammad Yasin Malik v. Union of India & Ors.