Former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satyapal Malik passed away at Ram Manohar Lohiya (RML) Hospital in Delhi on Tuesday. He was 79.
“Former Governor Chaudhary Satya Pal Singh Malik is no more,” read a post from official X handle of Satyapal Malik.
According to news agency ANI, hospital authorities stated that Malik breathed his last at 1.10 pm.
His body will be taken to his R K Puram residence and the cremation will be held at Lodhi crematorium on Wednesday.
Malik was first admitted to the hospital on May 11 for the treatment of kidney-related ailment. He was shifted to the ICU after his health condition deteriorated last month.
“Respected former Governor Chaudhary Satyapal Singh Malik ji is currently admitted to the ICU and is being treated under the supervision of senior doctors. Avoid rumors and do not spread any false news,” his personal Secretary KS Rana had said.
Earlier in June, Malik had shared his health update on X. He said that his health has improved and he was shifted out of the ICU after his infection improved.
पूर्व गवर्नर चौधरी सत्यपाल सिंह मलिक जी नहीं रहें।#satyapalmalik
— Satyapal Malik (@SatyapalMalik6) August 5, 2025
Reacting to his demise, senior Congress leader Pawan Khera said: “The man who knew too much is no more. RIP #SatyapalMalik Ji”.
Malik served as the 10th and the last Governor of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir from August 2018 to October 2019.
It was during Malik’s term that centre abrogated key provisions of Article 370 and bifurcated the Jammu and Kashmir into two seoarate Union Territories – Jammu and Kashmir with a legislature and Ladakh.
Coincidentally, Article 370 was abrogated on this very day – August 5 – in 2019 and Malik also beathed his last on the same date in 2025.
Stayapal Malik political journey
Malik’s political journey spanned over four decades, during which he held various key positions, including:
Governor of Jammu and Kashmir (2018-2019), during which he oversaw critical decisions leading up to the abrogation of Article 370.
Governor of Goa (2019-2020), where he continued to make headlines for his bold stances.
Governor of Meghalaya (2020-2022), where he further cemented his reputation as a straight-talking public servant.
Governor of Bihar (2017-2018), where he demonstrated his ability to navigate complex political landscapes.
Malik has also served as a member of both houses of Parliament, representing the Rajya Sabha between 1980–1989 and the Lok Sabha between 1989–1991.
Malik’s tenure as Governor of different states was not without controversy, particularly surrounding the Kiru Hydropower Project case, in which he was recently charged by the Central Bureau of Investigation. Despite these allegations, Malik maintained his innocence, claiming he was being targeted for exposing corruption.