Today, On 24th February, The Delhi High Court urged the NIA court to quickly decide the bail plea of Abdul Rashid Sheikh, also known as Engineer Rashid, a jailed MP from Jammu and Kashmir. He is facing charges in a terror funding case. Justice Vikas Mahajan requested the Patiala House Court to handle the matter without delay.
Today, On 11th February, The Delhi High Court scheduled the bail plea of Jammu and Kashmir MP Engineer Rashid for hearing on February 24 in a case filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). This comes after the Supreme Court clarified that the High Court could proceed with his bail application. Rashid, who was elected as an MP while in custody, is facing charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). His plea challenges the denial of bail in the alleged terror funding case.
![[2016 Terror Funding Case] Court Rejects Baramulla MP Rashid's Interim Bail Plea to Take Oath as Parliament Member](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/image-24-1.png?resize=447%2C367&ssl=1)
Today, On 18th June, Engineer Rashid’s request for interim bail denied, and he will remain in Tihar Jail despite winning the Baramulla Lok Sabha seat. The rejection means he cannot take his MP oath. He has been detained since 2019 over alleged terror funding. His arrest and legal battles have marked his political journey, raising concerns about terrorism’s influence in regional politics.
The victories of imprisoned candidates Amritpal Singh and Sheikh Abdul Rashid have raised questions about their eligibility as Members of Parliament in India. Despite their wins in the Khadoor Sahib and Baramulla constituencies, their ability to serve in the Lok Sabha hinges on the legal framework and the implications of their criminal charges. If convicted and sentenced to imprisonment for two years, they will automatically lose their seats. Past cases indicate that incarcerated individuals have been granted permission to temporarily fulfill their elected duties, but the final decision will ultimately rest with the House. Singh, detained under the National Security Act (NSA), has been vocal about his initiatives against drug abuse in Punjab, while Rashid faces charges under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and ran for election on an Awami Ittehad Party ticket.