Jammu and Kashmir Member of Parliament (MP) Abdul Rashid Sheikh, commonly known as Rashid Engineer, has been granted a two-day custody parole by the Delhi High Court to participate in the ongoing Budget session of Parliament. Currently incarcerated in Tihar Jail since 2019 on charges related to a terror-funding case, Rashid sought interim bail or custody parole to represent his Baramulla constituency in the Lok Sabha.
On Tuesday morning, under police escort, Rashid was transported to Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital for a routine medical examination. Following the check-up, authorities planned to escort him directly to Parliament to fulfill his duties as an MP.
The Delhi High Court’s decision to grant custody parole comes with specific conditions. Rashid is prohibited from using mobile phones or the internet and is restricted from addressing the media or engaging with individuals beyond his parliamentary responsibilities.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) opposed Rashid’s plea for custody parole, citing security concerns and arguing that he had no vested right to attend Parliament. The NIA’s counsel emphasized that Rashid did not have any specific speech to deliver or questions to respond to in Parliament, suggesting that his presence was not essential.
Rashid’s legal representatives contended that attending parliamentary sessions is a fundamental duty of an elected representative. They argued that his participation is crucial for voicing the concerns of his constituents and fulfilling his legislative responsibilities.
Rashid Engineer has been in custody since August 2019, facing allegations of funding separatist and terror groups in Jammu and Kashmir. The NIA arrested him as part of a broader crackdown on terror financing in the region. Despite his incarceration, Rashid won the Baramulla seat as an independent candidate in the 2024 general elections.
The court’s decision to grant custody parole underscores the balance between legal proceedings and the democratic responsibilities of elected officials. While the NIA raised concerns about potential security risks and the precedent it might set, the court acknowledged the importance of parliamentary representation.
This development has sparked discussions about the rights and duties of incarcerated lawmakers. It raises questions about how the justice system can accommodate the democratic process while ensuring that legal proceedings are not compromised.
As Rashid Engineer attends the Parliament session under strict supervision, the situation highlights the complexities at the intersection of law, politics, and representation. It remains to be seen how this case will influence future decisions regarding the participation of jailed lawmakers in legislative processes.
For more insights into the legal proceedings surrounding Rashid Engineer’s case, you can refer to the detailed coverage by The Economic Times.
