Former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satyapal Malik passed away on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at the age of 79, after a prolonged illness. He breathed his last at 1:12 pm in the intensive care unit of Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in New Delhi, where he had been undergoing treatment for multiple health complications, including diabetic kidney disease, hypertension, morbid obesity, and sleep apnea. According to hospital authorities, Malik was admitted on May 11 and later developed severe infections that led to septic shock, multi-organ failure, and eventually his demise, despite exhaustive medical intervention.

During his tenure as governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Malik played a key role in overseeing the historic abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the state into two Union Territories on August 5, 2019—a date that coincidentally marked the day of his passing, exactly six years later. His political career spanned decades and included governorships in Goa, Bihar, Meghalaya, and Odisha, as well as tenures in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Malik remained a prominent and sometimes controversial figure in Indian politics, especially for his outspoken criticism of the BJP-led central government on issues like the Pulwama terror attack and the farmers’ movement.

Malik was also at the center of serious corruption allegations during his tenure in J&K, claiming he was offered bribes to clear two major project files. These claims prompted a CBI investigation, which culminated in a charge sheet against him in May 2025 related to the ₹2,200 crore Kiru hydropower project. Despite his declining health, Malik remained a vocal and visible figure, often drawing headlines for his candid remarks and bold statements on national issues. His passing marks the end of a politically eventful life, leaving behind a legacy marked by both administrative decisions and public dissent.