A Delhi court on Wednesday postponed its verdict on the parole application of incarcerated Jammu & Kashmir Member of Parliament (MP) Sheikh Abdul Rashid, widely known as Engineer Rashid.
The petition seeks custody parole to facilitate his participation in the forthcoming parliamentary session. After hearing legal arguments, Additional Sessions Judge Chander Jit Singh scheduled the ruling for March 7.
Legislative Obligations
Engineer Rashid’s petition, submitted by his legal representative Vikhyat Oberoi on February 27, underscores his constitutional prerogative and duty as an elected MP to partake in legislative proceedings. The second segment of the Budget Session is slated to commence on March 10 and conclude on April 4, necessitating his presence in Parliament to fulfill his representational responsibilities.
Legal Trajectory
Engineer Rashid, a prominent political figure, achieved a significant electoral victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, defeating former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in the Baramulla constituency. Despite this political mandate, Rashid remains in judicial custody, having been detained since 2019 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in connection with a 2017 terror financing investigation conducted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
His petition for regular bail remains pending. On February 24, the Delhi High Court directed the sessions judge to expedite adjudication of his bail plea, aligning with a prior order dated December 24, 2024, which recommended the transfer of Rashid’s case to a specialized court designated for trials involving lawmakers.
Interim Bail & Subsequent Surrender
Previously, on September 10, the court granted Rashid interim bail, allowing him to engage in political campaigning for the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections. However, following the election cycle, he surrendered voluntarily on October 27 and has since remained incarcerated in Tihar Jail.
Terror Financing Case & Investigative Findings
Rashid’s alleged involvement in the 2017 terror financing case surfaced during an NIA-led inquiry into Kashmiri businessman Zahoor Watali, who was arrested for purportedly facilitating financial transactions supporting terrorist organizations and separatist entities in Kashmir. The NIA’s chargesheet implicated multiple figures, including separatist leader Yasin Malik, Lashkar-e-Taiba founder Hafiz Saeed, and Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin. Malik later pleaded guilty and was sentenced to life imprisonment by a trial court in 2022.
Implications of the Court’s Upcoming Verdict
With the parliamentary session imminent, the court’s ruling on March 7 will critically determine whether Rashid will be permitted conditional release to fulfill his legislative responsibilities or remain in continued judicial custody.
The decision is poised to influence legal interpretations regarding the intersection of legislative privileges and judicial oversight, particularly in cases involving incumbent lawmakers.
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