Yasin Malik’s Death Penalty Hearing Set for November 10

New Delhi (International Desk) — The Delhi High Court has scheduled the hearing on November 10, 2025, for the National Investigation Agency’s (NIA) petition seeking to convert the life imprisonment of Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chief Yasin Malik into a death sentence.

According to court documents, the NIA filed the appeal against the 2022 verdict that sentenced Malik to life imprisonment, urging the court to classify his actions as a “crime against the nation” warranting capital punishment. The agency argues that Malik established an illegal network to promote separatism and violence in Kashmir through foreign funding, posing a grave threat to India’s national security.

A two-judge bench of the Delhi High Court has issued a notice to Yasin Malik, directing him to submit a written response within four weeks. The court has also instructed prison authorities to ensure his appearance via video link at the next hearing, citing security sensitivities.

Malik was convicted in May 2022 by a special court under India’s anti-terror laws for terror financing and other offences. At the time, the court ruled out the death penalty, stating that the case did not fall under the “rarest of rare” category. However, the NIA maintains that the gravity and impact of Malik’s alleged crimes justify a harsher punishment.

Legal experts say a decision in favor of the NIA could set a significant precedent for separatism-related cases in Jammu and Kashmir. Human rights groups, however, have criticized the move as “politically motivated,” warning it could further escalate tensions in the region.

The court is expected to review Malik’s written reply, the NIA’s additional arguments, and case evidence before making its ruling.