The Delhi High Court heard the interim bail application of jailed Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) president and Baramulla MP, Engineer Abdul Rashid Sheikh, on Thursday and directed the National Investigation Agency to clarify whether Rashid can be granted custody parole to participate in the ongoing budget session of the Parliament. After arguments, the court scheduled the matter for further hearing on Friday.
According to Inam Un Nabi, the chief spokesperson of AIP, the registrar general of the Delhi High Court has assured that the case will be brought to the attention of the honourable Supreme Court on Friday for expeditious resolution on the jurisdictional dispute.
Rashid, a former MLA from north Kashmir’s Langate constituency, has been in Tihar jail since 2019. He was arrested by the NIA on charges of money laundering. He was elected twice to the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly.
He emerged as a prominent political figure and is known for his outspoken views on Kashmir and human rights.
Despite being incarcerated under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in a terror funding case, he successfully contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Baramulla defeating Omar Abdullah and Sajad Lone of the People’s Conference. Rashid was briefly released to campaign for his party during assembly elections. However, the AIP failed to make an impression winning only one of the many seats the party contested.
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Nabi expressed concern over Rashid’s indefinite hunger strike which has now reached its seventh day. "His health is deteriorating rapidly, and he has already lost a considerable amount of weight,” Nabi said. He added Rashid’s resolve remains unwavering. “He continues his peaceful protest to demand justice and his right to represent his constituents," Inam said.
He added they have confidence in the legal system and hopeful of Rashid's bail. "We strongly believe that justice will be served and Rashid Sahib will be given the opportunity to fulfil his democratic responsibility as an elected Member of Parliament," he said.
