Delhi High Court Seeks NIA Response on Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid's Parliament Attendance. Rashid, an accused in a terror funding case and currently incarcerated in Tihar Jail, defeated Omar Abdullah in the elections.
Jammu-Kashmir: The Delhi High Court has sought a response from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on a petition filed by Abdul Rashid Sheikh, also known as Engineer Rashid, the Member of Parliament from Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir. The petition pertains to his request to attend Parliament sessions.
NIA Served Notice; Next Hearing on March 18
The Delhi High Court bench, comprising Justice Pratibha M. Singh and Rajnish Kumar Gupta, directed the NIA to file an affidavit outlining any objections to the petition. The court also scheduled the next hearing for March 18.
Engineer Rashid's Lawyer's Arguments
Senior Advocate N. Hariharan, representing Engineer Rashid, argued that his client should be allowed to attend the budget session. He mentioned that Rashid had previously been granted two days of custodial parole in February 2025.
The court inquired about the duration of the Parliament session, to which the senior advocate responded that it would last until April 4. Akshay Malik, the NIA's Special Public Prosecutor, opposed the petition, stating that the previous order granting custodial parole was issued due to the unavailability of the designated court; hence, only two days were permitted.
Rashid's Plea
Rashid's lawyer, N. Hariharan, argued before the court, "I represent 45 percent of the population of Kashmir; therefore, my presence in the Parliament session is essential." The NIA requested additional time to file its response.
Trial Court Earlier Rejected the Petition
Engineer Rashid, the Baramulla MP, challenged the trial court's order denying him custodial parole in the Delhi High Court. Special Judge (NIA) Chander Shekhar Singh of Patiala House Court dismissed his petition on March 10.
Advocates Vikhyat Oberoi and Nishita Gupta, appearing for Rashid, informed the court that he posed no threat. He had previously been granted custodial parole, which was extended three times. Furthermore, he had also received interim bail to campaign in Kashmir.
Who is Engineer Rashid?
Engineer Rashid is a prominent political leader from Jammu and Kashmir who defeated Omar Abdullah in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from the Baramulla constituency. He contested the election while in prison, with his son and supporters managing his campaign.
However, the NIA arrested him on charges of terror financing, and he is currently imprisoned in Tihar Jail.
