Supreme Court Considers Trial Relocation Plea for Yasin Malik

New Delhi- The Supreme Court today issued a notice to consider the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) plea to transfer the trial of Yasin Malik from Jammu to Delhi. Malik, the chief of the banned Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), is accused of involvement in the 1990 killing of four Indian Air Force (IAF) officers in Srinagar.

The CBI argues that security concerns and the safety of witnesses prevent Malik's transport to Jammu. They have requested the trial be conducted at Tihar Jail, where Malik is currently imprisoned. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the CBI, highlighted Malik's past travels to Pakistan to meet with Hafiz Saeed, founder of the terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba, emphasizing the need for exceptional security measures. Mehta also argued that Malik was attempting to manipulate the legal process by claiming he would appear in person to cross-examine witnesses without legal assistance.

The Supreme Court has given Malik and other co-accused until December 18 to respond to the CBI's plea. The court previously stated that all accused deserve a fair trial, drawing a parallel to the case of Ajmal Kasab. The bench, comprising Justices Abhay S. Oka and A.G. Masih, had also suggested exploring the possibility of holding the trial in jail or allowing Malik to appear virtually.

Malik is facing life imprisonment following a May 2022 NIA court conviction for waging war against the state, conspiracy, and terror funding. The NIA has separately appealed to the Delhi High Court for the death penalty in this case.