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 to attend the ongoing budget session of Parliament. The court’s decision came after Rashid’s counsel moved an application seeking permission for the MP to participate in the parliamentary proceedings.
Engineer Rashid, a prominent leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has been lodged in Tihar Jail since October 2020 in connection with a terror funding case. However, the court’s order has given him a temporary reprieve, allowing him to attend the Parliament sessions as a member of the Lok Sabha.
According to reports, the court imposed several conditions on Rashid during his parole, including a ban on using phones, the internet, and speaking to the media or anyone else. Additionally, he will be escorted by police personnel during his stay in Delhi.
The Delhi High Court’s decision to grant parole to Engineer Rashid has sparked a heated debate, with some questioning the necessity of allowing a jailed MP to attend Parliament. However, Rashid’s supporters argue that it is essential to ensure the MP’s rights and representation in the House.
Rashid’s counsel had moved the application citing the importance of the MP’s presence in the Parliament during the budget session. The counsel argued that Rashid’s presence was crucial to discuss issues related to Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the issues affecting the Kashmir Valley, which is his constituency.
In its order, the court acknowledged the importance of Rashid’s presence in the Parliament, stating that his participation in the budget session would enable him to raise issues related to his constituency. The court also noted that Rashid’s presence would facilitate the smooth functioning of the House.
Rashid’s parole comes at a time when the Kashmir Valley is reeling under a severe economic crisis, with many businesses struggling to stay afloat. The region is also grappling with a surge in unemployment, leaving many young people without a source of income.
As a member of Parliament, Rashid has been vocal about the issues affecting the Kashmir Valley, including the economic crisis and the plight of the people. His presence in the Parliament during the budget session is expected to be significant, as he will be able to raise these issues and press the government to take concrete steps to address them.
The Delhi High Court’s decision to grant parole to Engineer Rashid has also been seen as a significant development, given the context of the ongoing terror funding case against him. Rashid has been accused of receiving funds from Pakistan-based terror organizations, which he allegedly used to fund terror activities in the Kashmir Valley.
However, Rashid and his supporters have consistently denied the allegations, terming them as fabricated and designed to tarnish his image. Rashid has been vocal about his commitment to peaceful politics and has consistently condemned terrorism in all its forms.
The Delhi High Court’s decision to grant parole to Engineer Rashid is seen as a significant victory for the MP and his supporters, who have been fighting for his rights and representation in the Parliament.
As the budget session of Parliament continues, Engineer Rashid’s presence is expected to be significant, as he will be able to raise issues related to his constituency and press the government to take concrete steps to address them. However, the controversy surrounding his parole is likely to continue, with some questioning the necessity of allowing a jailed MP to attend Parliament.
