The Delhi High Court has granted interim bail to Baramulla Member of Parliament Sheikh Abdul Rashid, also known as Engineer Rashid, who is currently imprisoned in connection with a terror-funding case. The decision allows him to attend the funeral rites of his father. The interim bail is effective until June 2, during which Rashid will be under strict supervision.
A panel of Justices Prathiba M Singh and Madhu Jain issued the order, stipulating that Rashid must be accompanied by at least two plainclothes police officers at all times. These officers will be responsible for his security and surveillance from the moment he leaves Tihar Jail until he returns from Srinagar. He is permitted to visit the burial ground and any place of worship but is restricted from traveling anywhere else outside his residence in Srinagar and Langate.
Information reaching TahirRihat.com suggests that the request for interim bail was made following the demise of Rashid’s father, who had been receiving medical treatment at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). Rashid’s counsel, advocate Vikhyat Oberoi, argued that his client’s presence was necessary to conduct the burial, perform customary rites, and participate in other religious ceremonies.
The court order explicitly states, “Accordingly, due to the demise of the appellant’s father, interim bail is granted to the appellant until 2nd June, 2026.” The court further clarified that upon the conclusion of the bail period, Rashid is required to surrender immediately to the Jail Superintendent and be returned to Tihar Jail in Delhi. The order also restricts Rashid’s interactions, dictating that any meetings with individuals outside his immediate family must occur in the presence of police officials.
Furthermore, the court mandated that Rashid can only use one mobile phone, the number of which must be provided to the investigating officer and kept active continuously. Rashid is also prohibited from contacting any witnesses or their family members, engaging in any criminal or unlawful activities, or leaving the country without prior authorization from the court. This decision follows a previous instance on April 28, when the court granted Rashid a week-long interim bail to visit his ailing father in Srinagar. This period was later extended until May 10 after his father was transferred to AIIMS for further medical care.
Rashid’s legal troubles stem from a terror-funding case in which he is accused of providing financial support to separatist and terror groups operating in Jammu and Kashmir. He has been incarcerated in Delhi’s Tihar Jail since his arrest by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in 2019, concerning a case dating back to 2017. In October 2019, after a chargesheet named him, a special NIA court formally charged Rashid and others in March 2022 under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 120B (criminal conspiracy), 121 (waging war against the government), and 124A (sedition), as well as provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
The granting of interim bail highlights a complex intersection of legal and humanitarian considerations. While Rashid remains accused of serious offenses related to terrorism, the court has recognized the importance of allowing him to fulfill his familial responsibilities during a time of personal loss. The stringent conditions attached to his bail underscore the ongoing concerns about security and the need to prevent any potential misuse of his temporary release. The case continues to draw significant attention in Jammu and Kashmir, where Rashid was an active political figure before his arrest, and in legal circles, where the balance between justice and human rights remains a subject of intense debate.
The situation also brings into sharp focus the challenges faced by individuals accused of terrorism-related charges and their families. While the legal process must run its course, the human element of such cases often involves significant personal hardship and emotional distress. The court’s decision reflects an attempt to navigate these competing concerns, providing a temporary respite while ensuring the integrity of the legal proceedings. The coming days will be closely watched as Rashid attends to his family matters under the watchful eyes of law enforcement, a stark reminder of the complexities inherent in cases involving national security and individual rights.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.