New Delhi, Indian (Azadi Times) – Justice Amit Sharma of the Delhi High Court has recused himself from hearing the National Investigation Agency’s (NIA) plea to impose the death penalty on Yasin Malik, the leader of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF). Malik has been accused in a case widely regarded as fabricated.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the case was scheduled to be heard today by a division bench led by Justice Pratibha M. Singh. However, Justice Singh announced that Justice Amit Sharma had withdrawn from the case, leading to the postponement of the hearing to August 9, when Justice Sharma will no longer be part of the proceedings.
Yasin Malik was arrested by Indian authorities in 2019 from his residence in Srinagar. Since May 2022, he has been serving a life sentence in Tihar Jail, New Delhi, following a trial court’s verdict.
The Delhi High Court had issued a notice on May 29 of last year regarding the NIA’s petition to award Malik the death penalty. This development adds another layer of complexity to a case that has already drawn significant attention and controversy.
The recusal of Justice Sharma raises questions about the judicial handling of Malik’s case, which has been a focal point for discussions on human rights and political freedoms in the region. The next hearing is anticipated with keen interest, as it will determine the future course of this high-profile case.