Delhi High Court grants two-day custody parole to MP Er Rashid

Srinagar, Feb 10: The Delhi High Court on Monday granted two days of custody parole to Baramulla Member Parliament (MP) Engineer Rashid, allowing him to attend the Parliamentary budget session. Rashid, who has been in Tihar Jail since 2019, will be permitted to be present in Parliament on February 11 and 13.
Justice Vikas Mahajan, while delivering the order, stated that the custody parole was being granted under the “peculiar facts” of the case and imposed strict conditions. He has been prohibited from using a mobile phone, accessing the internet, or addressing the media. Additionally, his interactions will be limited strictly to his parliamentary responsibilities.
The verdict was announced after the Court heard arguments from both sides last week. Senior Advocate N Hariharan, representing Rashid, cited previous legal precedents, including the Pappu Yadav case, to argue for his client’s parole. He also highlighted that there were no allegations against Rashid regarding witness tampering.
However, Senior Advocate Siddharth Luthra, appearing for the National Investigation Agency (NIA), opposed the plea, referring to the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Suresh Kalmadi case, which states that attending Parliament is not a vested right. Luthra further raised security concerns, arguing that Rashid’s movement would require continuous armed escort, which is not permitted within parliamentary premises.
Following the Court’s order, Rashid’s elder son, Abrar Rashid, called it a “victory for the people of Kashmir” and expressed hope for his father’s release. Similarly, Sheikh Ashiq, State Secretary of the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), welcomed the development, stating, “The custody parole granted to Engineer Rashid is for all of Kashmir. We trust India’s judicial system and hope he gets bail soon.”
Meanwhile, Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi announced that Engineer Rashid has ended his hunger strike on its 11th day following the Delhi High Court’s decision. “Despite the hardships, Engineer Rashid remains resolute in his commitment to representing the sentiments and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” Inam Un Nabi said.
He extended gratitude to the people of Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency and Jammu and Kashmir for their overwhelming support. He also thanked political and religious leaders, civil society members, trade unions, and human rights activists for standing in solidarity with Rashid during this legal battle.