In a significant development regarding the trial of separatist leader Yasin Malik, the Supreme Court of India today responded to a challenge by the CBI against a Jammu court order directing Malik to appear in person for his trial. The cases involve the 1990 killing of Indian Air Force personnel and the 1989 kidnapping of Rubaiya Sayeed, for which Malik is the main accused.

The CBI argued that Malik’s physical presence in Jammu could disrupt the atmosphere and endanger witnesses. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta suggested that if Malik insisted on appearing in person, the trial could be shifted to Delhi. Justice AS Oka, however, emphasized that a fair trial is essential, citing even the case of 26/11 terrorist Ajmal Kasab, who received a fair trial in India.

The Supreme Court bench agreed that the trial could be conducted in jail, but stressed the need for careful security arrangements for witnesses and the judge involved. The case will be further heard next Thursday.