NIA Court Reserves Order On Plea Of MP Engineer Rashid Seeking Interim Bail To Attend Parliament Session

Engineer Rashid

A special National Investigation Agency court at Patiala House, New Delhi, has reserved its order on the interim bail or custody parole plea filed by Baramulla MP Abdul Rashid Sheikh, popularly known as Engineer Rashid.

The court will pronounce its decision on July 21, the same day the Monsoon Session of Parliament is scheduled to begin.

Rashid, currently in judicial custody in connection with a terror funding case linked to Hafiz Saeed, has sought permission to either be released on interim bail or be allowed to attend the session under custody.

Legal Arguments Presented

Rashid was represented by Advocates Aditya Wadhwa, Vikhyat Oberoi, and Nishita Gupta, who argued in favour of granting him interim relief.

The legal team submitted that Rashid has previously been allowed to attend Parliament in custody and has never posed a security threat during such occasions.

They pointed out that the trial court had granted him interim bail on September 10, 2024, to campaign for the Jammu and Kashmir elections, and that the bail was extended on three separate occasions. This, they argued, demonstrated that he was not considered a danger by the court system.

Furthermore, the Delhi High Court had allowed Rashid to attend parliamentary sessions in custody on two prior dates—February 10, 2025, and March 25, 2025—during which he duly participated in the proceedings without incident.

NIA’s Opposition To The Plea

The NIA, however, opposed the application, arguing that neither interim bail nor custody parole should be granted at this stage. The agency stated that if Rashid is allowed to attend Parliament in custody, he should be made to bear the cost of travel and security arrangements.

In response, Rashid’s legal team asserted that attending Parliament is a constitutional duty, not a personal privilege. Therefore, requiring him to bear travel costs for fulfilling his legislative role was inappropriate and unjustified.

Background Of The Case

Engineer Rashid was elected as Member of Parliament from Baramulla constituency in Jammu and Kashmir during the 2024 general elections. He is under custody for his alleged involvement in a terror funding case linked to Pakistan-based militant Hafiz Saeed. Despite the serious charges, courts have previously permitted him to attend Parliament sessions and even take his oath of office.

Awaiting The Verdict

Special Judge Chander Jit Singh heard arguments from both sides and reserved the order for July 21.

The outcome will determine whether the newly elected MP can participate in the Monsoon Session of Parliament, either on interim bail or under custody escort.