Delhi Court Permits J&K MP Engineer Rashid to Attend Parliament Budget Session
A Delhi court on Saturday granted interim bail to independent Member of Parliament from Jammu and Kashmir, Sheikh Abdul Rashid, popularly known as Engineer Rashid. This judicial relief will enable the 58-year-old parliamentarian to attend the upcoming budget session of Parliament commencing from January 28. The court has mandated that his attendance must occur under strict armed escort arrangements.
Legal Proceedings and Custodial History
Engineer Rashid has been incarcerated in Tihar Jail since 2019, facing serious charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). These charges stem from a 2017 terrorist-funding case that is being thoroughly investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Despite his imprisonment, Rashid contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from behind bars and achieved a remarkable political victory.
Additional Sessions Judge Prashant Sharma, while delivering the order, characterized the relief as "limited in nature" and bound by stringent conditions previously established. These conditions encompass comprehensive security protocols and associated financial expenditures. The judge explicitly permitted Rashid to attend parliamentary sittings while technically remaining in judicial custody.
Previous Court Permissions and Political Context
This is not the first instance where the court has allowed such permissions for the incarcerated MP. Rashid previously attended the winter session of Parliament in November under similar guarded conditions. Furthermore, the court had granted him custody parole between July 24 and August 4, 2025, specifically for the monsoon session sittings. In 2024, he was also granted interim bail to actively campaign in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections.
Rashid's political journey took a dramatic turn during the 2024 Lok Sabha polls when he, contesting from jail, secured a stunning victory from the Baramulla constituency in north Kashmir. He defeated the National Conference vice president, Omar Abdullah, by a substantial margin exceeding 200,000 votes, sending shockwaves through mainstream political parties in the region.
Party Response and Broader Implications
The Awami Itihaad Party (AIP), which was founded by Engineer Rashid in 2013 and is listed by the Election Commission as a registered but unrecognised political entity, warmly welcomed the court's decision. Party spokesperson Inam Un Nabi emphasized that this order is vital to ensure that the people of north Kashmir are not denied representation in Parliament.
Nabi clarified that the logistical and travel expenses for Rashid's parliamentary attendance would be contingent upon the outcome of an appeal currently pending before the high court. The party spokesperson also reiterated a longstanding demand for Rashid's complete release from custody. Nabi argued there is no justification to keep a two-time legislator and an elected Member of Parliament behind bars, alleging that his continued detention amounts to victimisation based on his political beliefs.
To bolster this argument, Nabi referenced recent remarks by former Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, who stated that even a few years of detention can constitute a significant violation of personal liberty. This legal perspective adds weight to the party's advocacy for Rashid's freedom, framing the issue within the broader context of democratic rights and judicial principles.
