Jailed J&K MP Engineer Rashid Gets Parole to Attend Parliament
In a significant turn of events, the Delhi High Court has granted two-day custody parole to jailed Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid to attend the ongoing budget session of Parliament. The court has imposed several conditions on him, including a ban on using phones, the internet, and speaking to media or anyone else.
Engineer Rashid, a member of the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has been behind bars since September 2017 in a terror funding case. He was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on charges of conspiring with Pakistan-based terrorist organizations to fund terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Delhi High Court’s decision to grant Rashid parole comes as a surprise to many, given the seriousness of the charges against him. However, the court has taken into account the fact that Rashid is an elected representative and his presence in Parliament during the budget session is essential.
According to the court’s order, Rashid will be escorted by police during his two-day parole and will have to submit a personal bond of Rs 50,000. He has also been prohibited from using phones, the internet, or speaking to media or anyone else during his parole period.
The court has also imposed several other conditions on Rashid, including the requirement that he report to the police station every hour and not leave the premises of Parliament or the hotel where he will be staying. Rashid will also have to surrender his passport and any other travel documents to the police.
The Delhi High Court’s decision has sparked a mixed reaction, with some hailing it as a welcome move to ensure the democratic process is not disrupted, while others have expressed concern about the timing and conditions of the parole.
Critics of the decision have argued that Rashid should not be granted parole while he is facing trial in a terror funding case. They have also expressed concerns about the potential security risks posed by allowing a convicted terrorist to attend Parliament.
On the other hand, supporters of Rashid have hailed the decision as a necessary step to ensure that the democratic process is not disrupted. They have argued that Rashid is an elected representative and has the right to participate in the budget session of Parliament.
The Delhi High Court’s decision comes as a significant development in the ongoing controversy surrounding Rashid’s arrest and trial. Rashid has consistently denied any wrongdoing and has claimed that he is being targeted for his political beliefs.
The case against Rashid is being investigated by the NIA, which has accused him of conspiring with Pakistan-based terrorist organizations to fund terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir. The agency has produced several witnesses and evidence in court, including recordings of phone conversations between Rashid and suspected terrorists.
Rashid’s arrest and trial have sparked widespread protests in Jammu and Kashmir, with many accusing the government of targeting political opponents and human rights activists. The controversy has also sparked debate about the use of anti-terrorism laws to silence political dissent.
In conclusion, the Delhi High Court’s decision to grant Engineer Rashid a two-day custody parole to attend Parliament is a significant development in the ongoing controversy surrounding his arrest and trial. While some have hailed the decision as a necessary step to ensure the democratic process is not disrupted, others have expressed concerns about the timing and conditions of the parole. The case against Rashid is ongoing, and it remains to be seen how the court will ultimately rule on the charges against him.
