Delhi High Court Permits MP Rashid to Attend Parliament Despite Terror Charges

The Delhi High Court has granted Jammu and Kashmir MP Abdul Rashid Sheikh, known as Engineer Rashid, permission to attend Parliament 'in-custody' amidst facing trial in a terror funding case. The court imposed strict conditions, including no phone or media interactions while attending the session.

The Delhi High Court has allowed Jammu and Kashmir MP Abdul Rashid Sheikh, also known as Engineer Rashid, to attend the ongoing Parliament session in police custody. Rashid was arrested in connection with a terror funding case. Despite the NIA's concerns about his potential escape risk, the bench, led by Justices Chandra Dhari Singh and Anup Jairam Bhambhani, ruled in his favor.

The court mandated that Rashid be escorted by plain-clothed officers to the Lok Sabha sessions from March 26 to April 4. Once in Parliament, he will be under the watch of parliamentary security, but is prohibited from using any communication devices or interacting with individuals outside Parliament's grounds. Rashid must also cover his travel expenses.

Rashid, in judicial custody since his 2019 arrest, had sought the court's permission to attend Parliament without interim bail. The NIA argued that this platform might allow him to misuse his position, but the court remained confident that the parliamentary procedures would uphold the integrity of Rashid's custody as he continues to face trial.

(With inputs from agencies.)