Jailed J&K MP Engineer Rashid gets parole to attend Parliament
In a significant development, the Delhi High Court has granted two-day custody parole to jailed Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid to attend the ongoing budget session of Parliament. This move has sparked a mixed reaction among politicians, with some hailing it as a welcome step and others questioning the logic behind it.
Engineer Rashid, a Member of Parliament from Jammu and Kashmir, has been behind bars since August 2017 for his alleged involvement in a terror funding case. The court’s decision to grant him parole comes as a surprise to many, given his ongoing trial in the case.
According to the court order, Rashid will be allowed to attend Parliament for two days – March 3 and 4 – and will be escorted by the police throughout. The court has also imposed several conditions on him, including a ban on using phones, the internet, and speaking to the media or anyone else.
The court’s decision was passed by Justice Suresh Kumar Kait, who observed that Rashid’s presence in Parliament was necessary to fulfill his constitutional duties as an MP. The court noted that Rashid’s parole was granted on the condition that he would not use his liberty to influence the investigation or tamper with evidence in the case.
Rashid’s lawyer, Advocate M S Khan, welcomed the court’s decision, saying it was a “victory for democracy and the Constitution.” Khan argued that Rashid’s presence in Parliament was essential to raise the issues of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and to hold the government accountable for its policies.
However, not everyone is pleased with the court’s decision. Some have questioned whether it is fair to grant parole to an accused person who is still facing trial in a terror funding case. Others have expressed concern that Rashid may use his parole to influence the investigation or tamper with evidence.
The Delhi Police, which is investigating the terror funding case, has also expressed its reservations about the court’s decision. A police spokesperson said that they would ensure that Rashid complies with the conditions imposed by the court, but added that they would monitor his movements closely to prevent any misuse of his parole.
The court’s decision has once again highlighted the complexities of the terror funding case, which has been ongoing for several years. Rashid has been accused of receiving funds from Pakistan-based organizations and using them to fuel the separatist movement in Jammu and Kashmir.
The case has been marked by controversy and controversy, with many accusing the government of targeting Rashid and other separatist leaders unfairly. Rashid has denied all allegations of involvement in terror funding and has claimed that the case against him is politically motivated.
Despite the controversy surrounding the case, the court’s decision to grant Rashid parole has been seen as a step towards upholding the Constitution and the rule of law. It is a reminder that even those accused of serious crimes are entitled to the protection of the law and the opportunity to defend themselves.
In conclusion, the Delhi High Court’s decision to grant Engineer Rashid parole to attend Parliament is a significant development in the ongoing terror funding case. While some may question the logic behind the decision, it is a welcome step towards upholding the Constitution and the rule of law. As Rashid attends Parliament, he will have the opportunity to raise the issues of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and to hold the government accountable for its policies.
