The Delhi High Court, on Friday, reserved its verdict on a plea filed by Jammu and Kashmir MP Engineer Rashid, seeking custody parole to attend the ongoing budget session of Parliament.
Justice Vikas Mahajan reserved the judgment after hearing arguments from Senior Advocate N. Hariharan, representing Rashid, and senior advocate Siddharth Luthra, appearing for the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Rashid has been in Tihar Jail since 2019, having been arrested by the NIA under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in a terror-funding case from 2017.
Abdul Rashid Sheikh, commonly known as Engineer Rashid, is a former MLA from Langate in north Kashmir and the founder of the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP).
His arrest preceded the detainment of several separatist leaders on similar charges. Despite his imprisonment, Rashid’s political influence has remained strong, culminating in his victory in the 2024 elections.
His supporters contend that his incarceration is politically motivated, while the NIA argues that he faces serious charges under anti-terror laws.
The court has now reserved its verdict on Rashid’s plea for custody parole. Meanwhile, his main petition for regular bail is scheduled for a hearing on February 11.
The consideration of his bail plea has been delayed after the trial court, which is handling his UAPA case, requested its transfer to a designated court for MPs and MLAs following his election to Parliament.
He is known for his outspoken views on Kashmir and has been an important political force in the region.
In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Rashid contested the Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency from jail and achieved an impressive victory, defeating established political leaders like Omar Abdullah and Sajad Lone.
His success was perceived as a major setback for political heavyweights in Kashmir and set the stage for the AIP to gain strength in future assembly elections.
Rashid was released on interim bail to campaign for his party in the assembly elections held in September and October last year.
However, the AIP failed to make a significant impact and managed to win only the Langate assembly segment, an AIP stronghold. The seat was won by Rashid’s brother, Sheikh Khursheed.
