An important matter related to the politics of Jammu and Kashmir has become a topic of discussion in the Delhi High Court these days. Baramulla MP Abdul Rashid Shaikh, popularly known as Engineer Rashid, has sought relief from the court to meet his ailing father. Rashid has appealed to the court to grant permission on humanitarian grounds, so that he can meet his father admitted in the hospital.
Engineer Rashid is currently lodged in Tihar Jail, Delhi. A case related to terrorism funding is being investigated against him by the National Investigation Agency. Recently he had sought interim bail to meet his ailing father. But Patiala House Court rejected his petition. After this, he has approached the Delhi High Court challenging this decision.
NIA expressed protest
In this case, the National Investigation Agency had already opposed the interim bail in the lower court. The agency says that it would not be appropriate to grant him bail from security point of view. However, NIA has suggested custodial parole as an option. This means that Rashid can meet his family while remaining under prison surveillance. The agency’s lawyer said in the court that when the option of custodial parole is available, there is no need to grant interim bail.
Have already got custody parole
This is not the first time that Engineer Rashid has got custodial parole. Earlier in January, Patiala House Court had given him permission to attend the budget session of Parliament. During this time, he participated in the proceedings of the Lok Sabha while being in police custody. The court had also made it clear that the final decision on the expenses related to his travel and security would depend on the order of the High Court.
Controversy regarding expenses also
Engineer Rashid had earlier also demanded in the court that the conditions for the expenditure of about Rs 4 lakh incurred for traveling to and from Parliament should be changed. A two-member bench of the Delhi High Court had given different opinions on this. Justice Vivek Chaudhary rejected his plea, while Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani supported granting him relief. After this difference of opinion, the case was sent to Chief Justice DK Upadhyay for further proceedings.
Argument between lawyer and police
Engineer Rashid’s lawyer says that the burden of daily travel and security expenses hinders the work of an MP. According to him, this system is not practical and it needs change. At the same time, Delhi Police’s stand is that this expenditure is part of necessary security arrangements. This includes deployment of police force, travel arrangements and other important arrangements, which cannot be ignored.
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