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. The court imposed certain conditions on him, including a ban on using phones, the internet, and speaking to media or anyone else while on parole.
Engineer Rashid, a National Conference MP, has been lodged in Tihar Jail since September 2017 after his arrest in a terror funding case. The court’s decision comes as a relief to Rashid, who had moved the court seeking parole to attend the Parliament session.
The court’s order was passed by Justice Suresh Kumar Kait, who directed that Rashid would be escorted by police during his parole period. The court also directed that Rashid would not be allowed to use his phone, internet, or speak to anyone, including the media, during this period.
Rashid’s counsel, Advocate Vivek Tankha, had argued that his client was a member of Parliament and it was his constitutional right to attend the session and participate in the legislative process. He had also submitted that Rashid had been cooperating with the investigation and had not sought parole earlier.
The court’s decision has been seen as a significant development in the case, which has been pending for several years. Rashid’s arrest had sparked widespread protests in Kashmir, with many accusing the government of political vendetta.
The case against Rashid is related to a terror funding probe, which was initiated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in 2017. The agency had alleged that Rashid had received funds from Hizbul Mujahideen, a militant outfit, and had used the money to further the group’s goals.
Rashid has denied all charges against him and has claimed that he is being targeted for his political beliefs. His supporters have also accused the government of using the case to silence dissenting voices in Kashmir.
The grant of parole to Rashid has been seen as a significant victory for his supporters, who had been demanding that he be released from jail to attend the Parliament session. The move has also been seen as a step towards addressing the concerns of the people of Kashmir, who have been demanding greater autonomy and self-governance.
However, the decision has also been criticized by some, who have accused Rashid of being involved in anti-national activities. The government has maintained that the case against Rashid is based on credible evidence and that he will be given a fair trial.
In conclusion, the grant of parole to Engineer Rashid is a significant development in the case, which has been pending for several years. The court’s decision has been seen as a step towards addressing the concerns of the people of Kashmir and has been welcomed by Rashid’s supporters. However, the case is far from over, and Rashid’s fate will be decided only after the trial is completed.
