The Delhi High Court has granted permission to jailed Jammu and Kashmir MP Abdul Rashid Sheikh, also known as Engineer Rashid, to attend the ongoing Parliament session while remaining in police custody. Rashid, who is facing trial under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for a 2017 terror funding case, will be escorted by police to and from Parliament from March 26 to April 4.
A bench comprising Justices Chandra Dhari Singh and Anup Jairam Bhambhani ruled that Rashid can attend the Lok Sabha proceedings but with stringent conditions. During this period, he will not be allowed to use mobile phones, landlines, or have any interaction with the media.
Rashid had challenged a trial court order dated March 10, which had denied him custody parole or interim bail to attend Parliament. The High Court’s decision comes amidst growing political debates around allowing individuals facing serious charges to participate in legislative duties.
