NEW DELHI, November 26, 2025 : A Delhi court on Wednesday reserved its order on a petition filed by Lok Sabha MP from Baramulla, Sheikh Abdul Rashid, popularly known as Engineer Rashid, seeking interim bail or custody parole to participate in the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament beginning December 1.
The plea, moved through advocate Vikhyat Oberoi, argued that as a sitting Member of Parliament, Rashid was duty-bound to attend the session to fulfil his constitutional and public responsibilities.
In-Camera Proceedings Held
The matter was heard by Additional Sessions Judge Prashant Sharma, who conducted in-camera proceedings and is expected to pronounce the order on Thursday.
On November 21, the investigating agency had sought additional time to seek instructions, prompting the court to grant an adjournment.
Previous Reliefs Granted to Rashid
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Rashid was earlier granted custody parole from July 24 to August 4 to attend the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
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He was also allowed interim bail to campaign during the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections.
Background of the Case
Engineer Rashid has been lodged in Tihar Jail since 2019 following his arrest by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under the UAPA in connection with a 2017 terror funding case.
The former MLA defeated then J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Baramulla, marking one of the most high-profile victories of the polls.
The court’s impending decision is expected to weigh the balance between national security concerns and a parliamentarian’s right—and responsibility—to attend legislative proceedings.
