NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court of India, while considering the case of Jammu and Kashmir separatist leader Yasin Malik, noted that India has ensured a fair trial, even for 2008 Mumbai terror attack convict Ajmal Kasab. A bench comprising Justices Abhay S. Oka and Augustine George Masih questioned whether a special court could be set up within the jail and whether security arrangements for witnesses could be made to ensure a fair trial. The bench also raised the possibility of conducting cross-examinations via video conferencing.
The Supreme Court was reviewing a petition filed by the CBI, which had challenged a special court order in Jammu directing that Malik be produced in person for trial in connection with the kidnapping of the daughter of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and the murder of four Air Force personnel. The CBI had argued that bringing Malik to Jammu posed serious security risks, particularly after one witness was already killed. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the CBI, expressed concerns about the safety of other witnesses involved in the trial.
The Supreme Court has stated that it will make a final decision after hearing all the accused. The matter is scheduled for further consideration on November 28. Malik is currently serving a life sentence in Tihar Jail in a terror funding case.