The Delhi High Court on Thursday issued a notice to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) regarding a bail plea filed by Jammu and Kashmir MP Engineer Rashid.
Rashid is seeking bail in a terror funding case registered under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Bail Plea Challenging Trial Court’s Decision
A division bench, comprising Justice Subramonium Prasad and Justice Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar, took cognizance of Rashid’s appeal against the trial court’s order denying him bail on March 21. Justice Prasad emphasized the urgency, stating, “This matter has to be heard,” and scheduled the hearing for July 29.
In addition to the bail plea, Rashid has filed a separate petition challenging the trial court’s decision to frame charges against him in the case.
Dispute Over Delay In Filing Appeal
The NIA’s counsel pointed out that Rashid’s appeal was filed with a delay of 1,104 days. According to the law, delays beyond 90 days are generally not condoned. However, Rashid’s lawyer argued that the 90-day limit is not absolute and can be extended, especially in cases involving the “life and liberty of an individual.”
Responding to this, the court directed the NIA to submit its formal response concerning the delay in filing the appeal before the next hearing on July 29.
Background
Engineer Rashid, elected from the Baramulla constituency in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, has been lodged in Tihar Jail since 2019. The NIA arrested him in connection with a terror funding case dating back to 2017. He was charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, which deals with unlawful activities threatening the sovereignty and integrity of India.
Since his arrest, Rashid has been battling the legal process from behind bars, contesting charges and seeking relief through the courts.
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