The Delhi High Court has granted a two-day custody parole to jailed MP Abdul Rashid Sheikh, also known as Rashid Engineer, to attend the ongoing Parliament session. Justice Vikas Mahajan permitted Rashid to participate in the session on February 11 and 13.
Under custody parole, the prisoner is escorted by armed police personnel to the designated location. The court imposed specific conditions on Rashid, including a prohibition on using a cell phone during his parole.
Rashid, a Baramulla MP, is currently facing trial in a terror funding case, with allegations of financing separatist and terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir. He was arrested in 2019 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for his alleged involvement in money laundering and links to designated terrorist Hafeez Saeed.
Rashid had approached the Delhi High Court, claiming he was left without recourse after the National Investigation Agency (NIA) court handling his bail application stalled proceedings following his election to the Lok Sabha last year. The delay occurred because the court was not designated as a special MP/MLA court. As an interim relief, Rashid requested custody parole.
The NIA opposed his request, arguing that Rashid had no inherent right to attend Parliament and had not demonstrated any “specific purpose” for seeking parole. The agency also cited significant security concerns.
Rashid’s case is part of a broader investigation into funding separatist activities in Jammu and Kashmir. The allegations include aiding terror groups and conspiring against the country.