The Delhi High Court has requested the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to respond to MP Engineer Rashid’s bail plea regarding a 2019 terror funding case. Rashid’s appeal challenges earlier charges and seeks to excuse a delay in his petition. The next hearing is scheduled for July 29 to address these issues.
![[Terror Funding Case] NIA Seeks High Court’s Nod to Transfer MP/MLA Court Jurisdiction to Special NIA Court for Engineer Rashid’s Case](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/image-33-1.png?resize=447%2C367&ssl=1)
The NIA seeks to transfer the case of Engineer Rashid from the MP/MLA court to a Special NIA Court, arguing against potential trial delays. Senior Advocate Siddharth Luthra stated it would take ten days for a High Court response. Rashid, arrested under UAPA in 2019, recently secured an election victory while in custody.
The Patiala House Court today granted interim bail to Abdul Rashid, also known as Engineer Rashid, allowing him to participate in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections. However, the court postponed the decision on his regular bail application and imposed restrictions on speaking to the media about the ongoing terror funding case. The bail extends until October 2. Celebrations ensued in Jammu and Kashmir but rival political parties expressed discontent, citing concerns about Rashid’s potential influence as a Member of Parliament. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) opposed his regular bail, alleging that he could influence witnesses and had previously defended terrorist acts. His lawyer argued that the interim bail was crucial for campaign purposes. Rashid, who won the Baramulla seat in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, is seeking bail as his case unfolds. In 2005, he was arrested for alleged support of militants, and in 2019, he was detained under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
![[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)
Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid, despite a significant electoral victory, faces legal obstacles preventing him from assuming office. The interim bail plea hearing was postponed, delaying his oath as a Member of Parliament. Rashid’s involvement in a terror funding case has led to his imprisonment in Tihar jail since 2017. The court is yet to approve his release for parliamentary duties.
