Yasin Malik tells Delhi HC he will argue himself in NIA’s plea
New Delhi: Illegally detained Chairman of Jammu and Kashmiri Liberation Front Yasin Malik on Friday informed the Delhi High Court that he will argue in person and defend himself in the appeal moved by Indian National Investigation Agency (NIA) seeking death penalty for him in a false funding case.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Yasin Malik, who was produced today from New Delhi’s Tihar jail through a video conference, informed a division bench comprising of Justice Suresh Kumar Kait and Justice Girish Kathpalia that he will appear in person and not through a lawyer.
A coordinate bench in August last year had passed an order directing that Malik be produced through a video conference in the case.
Today, the bench gave an option to Malik if he needs an amicus curiae or he can name a lawyer of his choice to be appointed as an amicus curiae to defend him in the case. However, he declined and said that he will appear in person.
Yasin Malik told that court that he himself argued his case before the trial court and was produced physically there by NIA till he was convicted in the case. He said there was no reason why the same cannot be done in High Court.
He said that no law and order situation happened before the trial court during his productions and that NIA’s refusal to do the same in High Court was against his right to fair trial.
However, the bench noted August last year’s order passed in the matter and suggested Malik to challenge the same before the Supreme Court if he wished to appear physically in the case. Malik then refused the suggestion and said that he will argue his case through VC but insisted that his request must come on record.
The court asked Malik if he wants to file a reply to the appeal or written statement with relied upon case laws and documents. He said he needs some time to think about it and will inform the court on next date of hearing.
Matter will now be heard on September 15.
