HC allows J&K MP Engineer Abdul Rashid Sheikh to attend Parliament

NEW DEKHI: Delhi HC has allowed J&K MP Abdul Rashid Sheikh, alias Engineer Rashid, arrested under UAPA in a terror funding case, to attend the ongoing Parliament session “in-custody” and rejected NIA’s apprehension that he was a flight risk. Rashid would be escorted by plainclothesmen from prison to Parliament on days of Lok Sabha session between March 26 and April 4. He won’t be allowed to use phone and internet.

The Baramulla MP would be handed over to the custody of the Parliament security or marshals, who would allow him to attend the proceedings, and he could avail himself of other facilities and amenities there.

Rashid, who was represented by Senior Advocate N Hariharan, was directed not to interact with anyone out of jail, except within the Parliament precincts. He should not engage with or address the media in any manner, the court said, including his pending criminal case.

HC asked Rashid to bear the expenses for the to-and-fro travel and other arrangements. Rashid, who is facing trial under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in a 2017 terror funding case, challenged a March 10 trial court order refusing him custody parole or interim bail to attend Lok Sabha proceedings till April 4.

In HC he gave up his plea for interim bail or custody parole and sought to attend the Parliament sessions "in-custody". The NIA opposed the plea, saying that allowing him to attend Parliament would enable him a platform to air his opinions, which he could misuse.

HC however, said the control of parliamentary proceedings was within the remit of the Lok Sabha Speaker, and it had no doubt that the proceedings would be conducted with requisite discipline.