In a significant legal development, the Delhi High Court has granted a one-week interim bail to Lok Sabha Member Abdul Rashid Sheikh, widely known as Engineer Rashid. The court’s decision, announced on Tuesday, allows the Baramulla MP to visit his father, who is critically ill. Sheikh has been incarcerated since August 2019, facing allegations related to a terror-funding case initiated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.
Sheikh’s journey through the legal system has been fraught with challenges, especially after a Delhi court rejected his earlier plea for interim bail on April 24. Following that setback, Sheikh turned to the High Court for relief, arguing that the urgency of his father’s health warranted immediate attention. The High Court, acknowledging Sheikh’s prolonged detention of over six years, granted him the temporary reprieve but with strict conditions.
As part of the bail conditions, Sheikh must be accompanied by two plainclothes police officers during his visit. The court has mandated that he remain either in the hospital or at his father’s residence, thus ensuring that he does not stray from the purpose of his release. Additionally, he is required to use a single mobile phone number that should remain active at all times and is strictly prohibited from contacting any witnesses involved in his case or attempting to influence them.
Furthermore, Sheikh has been instructed to submit a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh along with a surety of the same amount. This arrangement underscores the court’s awareness of the sensitive nature of his case while still acknowledging the familial obligations that Sheikh must fulfill at this time.
It is worth noting that this is not the first time Sheikh has received temporary relief during his time in custody. Back in July 2024, he was granted a brief custody parole for two hours, which permitted him to take the oath in Parliament after winning the Lok Sabha elections. His political journey continues to unfold even as he navigates the complexities of legal battles and personal crises.
