The Delhi High Court granted interim bail until June 2 to Baramulla MP Sheikh Abdul Rashid, also known as Engineer Rashid, who is currently incarcerated in a terror-funding case, following the death of his father. A bench comprising Justices Prathiba M Singh and Madhu Jain stated that during the interim bail period, Rashid must be accompanied by at least two police officials in plainclothes from the time he leaves Tihar Jail until he returns to Srinagar.
Rashid is permitted to visit the burial ground or places of worship but is restricted from going beyond his residence in Srinagar and Langate. The court’s decision was influenced by Rashid’s request, as his father, who was receiving treatment at AIIMS, passed away late Sunday night into Monday.
His counsel, advocate Vikhyat Oberoi, emphasized the need for interim bail to perform burial rites and other customary ceremonies. The court noted, “Accordingly, due to the demise of the appellant’s father, interim bail is granted to the appellant until 2nd June 2026.” Upon the expiration of the bail period, Rashid is required to surrender to the concerned Jail Superintendent and return to Tihar Jail.
Additionally, the court mandated that any meetings between Rashid and individuals outside his immediate family must occur in the presence of police officials. He is allowed to use one designated mobile phone number, which will be provided to the investigating officer and must remain switched on at all times. Rashid is prohibited from contacting any witnesses or their family members, engaging in criminal or unlawful activities, or leaving the country without prior permission from the court.
Previously, on April 28, the court granted him a week of interim bail to visit his ailing father in Srinagar, which was later extended until May 10 after his father was transferred to AIIMS for treatment. Rashid has been in Tihar Jail since 2019, following his arrest by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection to a 2017 case. He faces charges related to funding separatist and terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir. A special NIA court framed charges against Rashid and others in March 2022 under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act after he was named in a chargesheet in October 2019.
