A court in Jammu has rejected an application filed by jailed Kashmiri leader Yasin Malik, who had sought advance information about prosecution witnesses in an old case.
According to Beyond Time News, the decision was issued by a special court dealing with cases under the TADA and NIA laws in India.
Plea Related to 1990 Case
The application was linked to a decades-old case involving the alleged killing of Indian Air Force personnel in 1990. Malik had requested that he be informed about witnesses at least five days in advance so he could prepare for cross-examination.
His legal team argued that without prior notice, he could not properly defend himself in court proceedings.
Read more:After Yasin Malik, Showkat Bakshi being targeted in fake 1990 case
Court Rejects Request
However, the court dismissed the plea, stating that providing advance witness details could pose security risks. It also argued that such a requirement is not necessary under the law in this type of trial.
In addition, the court noted that the case is more than 30 years old and that both sides are already familiar with the proceedings and witnesses involved.
Cross-Examination Warning
The court further directed the defence to proceed with cross-examination of available witnesses. It warned that failure to do so would result in the loss of that legal right.
As a result, Malik’s application was dismissed as “without merit.”
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
The case continues under special anti-terror laws in India. Malik remains in custody while proceedings move forward in the long-running trial.
Conclusion
The decision highlights the continued legal battles surrounding older conflict-related cases in Jammu and Kashmir. The court’s ruling has once again drawn attention to long-running disputes over legal procedures and fair trial rights in such cases.
