New Delhi: Satya Pal Malik, a veteran politician who held gubernatorial office in four Indian states, died today at the age of 79 following a prolonged illness. He passed away at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in New Delhi, according to multiple news reports.
Born on July 24, 1946 in Hisawada, Uttar Pradesh, Malik embarked on his political journey during the 1970s and later became an influential figure at both state and national levels. Over a career spanning several decades, he served as a legislator in the Uttar Pradesh assembly, a member of the Rajya Sabha, and as Lok Sabha MP for Aligarh .
His distinguished public service included appointments as the 27th Governor of Bihar (2017–18), the 10th and final Governor of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir (2018–19)—during whose tenure Article 370 was abrogated—the Governor of Goa (2019–20), and finally the Governor of Meghalaya (2020–22) .
In recent months, Malik had been hospitalised with serious health issues, including kidney complications. He had publicly shared updates on his deteriorating condition and condemned the chargesheet lodged against him in connection with alleged contractual irregularities in the Kiru hydropower project. The Central Bureau of Investigation had filed charges linked to an alleged Rs2,200 crore contract dispute during his tenure in office .
Political colleagues from across the spectrum paid tribute to his decades of service. He was remembered as a forthright leader who voiced sharp criticisms of central government policies during and after his gubernatorial terms, especially on issues like governance in Kashmir and agricultural legislation.
Malik is survived by his family. His death closes a long and often polarising chapter in India’s public and political life, spanning grassroots activism to powerful constitutional responsibilities.
