Jailed J&K MP Engineer Rashid gets parole to attend Parliament
In a significant development, the Delhi High Court has granted a two-day custody parole to jailed Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid, allowing him to attend the ongoing budget session of Parliament. The court imposed several conditions on Rashid, including a ban on using phones, the internet, and speaking to media or anyone else.
Engineer Rashid, a member of the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has been lodged in Tihar Jail since 2017 in connection with a terror funding case. Despite his imprisonment, Rashid has remained a vocal critic of the Indian government’s policies in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the abrogation of Article 370.
The Delhi High Court’s decision to grant Rashid parole comes as a relief to his family and supporters, who had been petitioning for his release to attend the budget session. Rashid’s lawyer, Sushil Bhati, had argued that his client was not a flight risk and had already served a significant portion of his sentence.
The court’s order was passed by Justice Suresh Kumar Kait, who noted that Rashid would be escorted by police during his parole period. The judge also directed Rashid to deposit his passport and mobile phone with the authorities before being released from jail.
The conditions imposed by the court are designed to ensure that Rashid does not use his parole to evade trial or influence public opinion. Rashid’s counsel had argued that his client was willing to abide by any conditions set by the court to attend the budget session.
Rashid’s case has been closely watched by political observers, who see it as a test of the government’s commitment to upholding democratic norms. The BJP-led government has faced criticism for its handling of the Kashmir issue, with many opposition parties accusing it of curbing civil liberties and stifling dissent.
The terror funding case against Rashid is being investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Rashid has denied all charges against him, claiming that he was being targeted for his political beliefs.
Rashid’s parole has sparked debate among political parties, with some arguing that it is a sign of the government’s willingness to engage with political opponents, while others see it as a concession to Rashid’s family and supporters.
The Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to which Rashid belongs, has welcomed the court’s decision. “We are grateful to the Delhi High Court for granting Engineer Rashid parole to attend the budget session,” said PDP spokesperson, Sartaj Madni. “This is a victory for democracy and a testament to the court’s commitment to upholding the rights of elected representatives.”
The opposition parties, including the Congress and the National Conference, have also welcomed the court’s decision. “This is a welcome move, but we hope that it is not a one-off exception,” said Congress leader, Kapil Sibal. “We need to ensure that all political prisoners are given similar opportunities to attend Parliament.”
Rashid’s parole has come at a time when the budget session of Parliament is underway. The session has seen intense debate on various issues, including the economy, healthcare, and education.
In conclusion, the Delhi High Court’s decision to grant Engineer Rashid parole to attend the budget session of Parliament is a significant development in the political landscape of India. While the conditions imposed by the court are designed to ensure that Rashid does not use his parole to evade trial or influence public opinion, the move is seen as a sign of the government’s willingness to engage with political opponents.
