Er Rashid permitted to attend Parl in custody, to bear travel expenses: AIP

New Delhi, Jul 22: In a significant legal development, the Special NIA Court in Delhi has allowed the incarcerated Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) President and Baramulla Member of Parliament (MP), Engineer Rashid to attend the upcoming session of the Lok Sabha from July 24 to August 4, 2025, under strict custodial conditions.As per the court order, Er Rashid will be escorted by jail authorities to the Parliament during session hours and handed over to the custody of Parliament security/marshals, AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam-un-Nabi said in a statement issued here. “However, he (Er Rashid) has been barred from using phones or internet, interacting with media or anyone outside the premises of Parliament and will be returned to Tihar Jail every day after session proceedings, even beyond regular hours if necessary.”The court further directed that all expenses related to his travel and arrangements must be borne by Er Rashid himself, Inam said.Reacting to the court’s decision, the spokesperson expressed both relief and disappointment. “It is a good thing that he (Er Rashid) has been allowed to attend the Parliament, but why is it that he is being permitted only from July 24 to August 4 and not for the entire session? And that too, at his own expense? This is too harsh and unfortunate,” he said.Inam added that AIP’s legal team is preparing to move to Delhi High Court to challenge what he termed a “skewed and discriminatory” decision. “It was the same judge who earlier granted interim bail to Er Rashid and even allowed extension during election campaigning. What has changed now that only a limited and highly restricted custody parole has been given?” he questioned.AIP maintains that the decision undermines the democratic rights of a duly elected Member of Parliament and seeks fair and full participation of Er Rashid in the functioning of the Lok Sabha without punitive restrictions, the spokesperson said.