NEW DELHI, April 22, 2026 : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday told the Delhi High Court that separatist leader Yasin Malik cannot escape accountability by naming senior politicians, bureaucrats, or public figures.
In its rejoinder, the NIA asserted that Malik, convicted in a terror-funding case, was “well connected” with multiple terrorist organisations, including Lashkar-e-Taiba, and had links with militants like Hafiz Saeed and Syed Salahuddin. The agency said such references in his affidavit were aimed at gaining sympathy and had no bearing on the case.
The court, comprising Justices Navin Chawla and Ravidner Dudeja, has listed the matter for hearing on July 21. Malik, currently lodged in Tihar Jail, will be provided a copy of the rejoinder through jail authorities.
The NIA is seeking enhancement of Malik’s life sentence, awarded in May 2022 under UAPA and IPC provisions, to the death penalty, arguing that the punishment is not proportionate to the gravity of the offences.
Rejecting Malik’s claims of political victimisation and his references to broader issues, the agency maintained that the case is based on solid evidence and reiterated its stance for maximum punishment.
