Tue Mar 25 07:59:36 UTC 2025: **Delhi High Court Reserves Order on MP’s Plea to Attend Parliament**
NEW DELHI, March 25, 2025 – The Delhi High Court on Tuesday reserved its order on a plea by Jammu and Kashmir Lok Sabha MP Abdul Rashid Sheikh, seeking permission to attend the ongoing Parliament session while in jail on terror funding charges. The court, while initially leaning towards granting the request, stated a detailed order would follow. The bench considered conditions for his release, including the possibility of a police escort within Parliament premises requiring the Lok Sabha Speaker’s approval.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA), vehemently opposing the plea, argued the court lacked jurisdiction within Parliament and that Rashid, a highly influential figure, could potentially influence witnesses. The NIA further contended that Rashid has no right to attend Parliament while in lawful custody and that granting him bail or parole would violate Section 43D(5) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Rashid, arrested in 2019 and charged under the UAPA in a 2017 terror funding case, had his regular bail application dismissed by a trial court on March 19. His lawyers argued for custody parole, similar to a previous two-day reprieve. The NIA’s chargesheet alleges Rashid funded separatists and terrorist groups in Jammu and Kashmir, his name surfacing during the interrogation of co-accused Zahoor Watali. The MP, who defeated Omar Abdullah in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, awaits trial on charges including criminal conspiracy, waging war against the government, sedition, and terrorism-related offenses. The High Court is expected to issue its ruling shortly.
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