The Delhi High Court has asked the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to respond to a plea from Baramulla MP Abdul Rashid Sheikh, widely known as Engineer Rashid, who is seeking permission to attend the ongoing parliamentary session. Rashid remains in judicial custody at Tihar Jail under charges related to a terror funding case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
A bench comprising Justice Prathiba M Singh and Justice Rajneesh Kumar Gupta issued a notice to the NIA following arguments on the matter. Rashid, who won the Baramulla Lok Sabha seat in 2024 by defeating Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, has been incarcerated since 2019.
Previously, Rashid had approached a special NIA court for bail, but procedural confusion arose over whether his plea should be heard by the NIA court or a designated MP/MLA court. The Supreme Court intervened on February 10, clarifying that the special NIA court would preside over his case. The court has since reserved its decision on Rashid’s bail plea, with a verdict expected on March 19.
With Parliament in session from March 10 to April 4, Rashid has now turned to the High Court, requesting permission to attend proceedings and represent his constituency. His legal counsel argued that Baramulla comprises 45% of Jammu and Kashmir’s population and that his presence in Parliament is crucial.
The NIA’s special public prosecutor pointed out that Rashid had previously been granted custody parole due to the absence of a designated trial court and noted that his bail order is imminent. Meanwhile, the High Court observed that Rashid’s petition to attend Parliament had already been rejected by the special NIA court on March 10.
Issuing notice to the NIA, the court directed the agency to submit its response by March 17, rejecting a request for additional time. The bench remarked that the plea would become moot once the parliamentary session ends. The case will continue with the NIA prosecutor required to appear physically at the next hearing.