The Delhi High Court has directed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) court to promptly address the bail application of Abdul Rashid Sheikh, also known as Engineer Rashid, who is currently detained in a terror funding case. Justice Vikas Mahajan of the Delhi High Court emphasized the need for a speedy resolution, given Rashid’s recent election as a Member of Parliament from Jammu and Kashmir.
Er Rashid, who represents the Baramulla constituency, was arrested in 2019 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. His arrest was related to allegations of funding separatist groups and terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir. The case has been ongoing since his arrest, with Rashid being held in Tihar Jail.
The urgency of the high court’s directive comes after Rashid’s legal team appealed for the bail plea to be expedited due to his new responsibilities as an MP. The appeal highlighted the lack of resolution by the NIA court, which left Rashid’s status unclear following his election.
Justice Mahajan noted that a prior directive from the high court on the administrative side had already clarified that the NIA court would continue to handle the case despite Rashid’s parliamentary status. Following this observation, Rashid’s counsel requested to withdraw the plea from the high court.
In the meantime, Rashid was granted a brief two-day custody parole to attend the ongoing Parliament session on February 11 and 13, marking a temporary respite from his incarceration to fulfill his parliamentary duties.
