The Delhi High Court has granted Baramulla MP Abdul Rashid Sheikh, also known as Engineer Rashid, a fresh spell of interim bail from June 25 to June 30. This allowance is to enable him to participate in the Chehlum rituals and ceremonies following his father’s passing. Rashid, who is currently on interim bail until June 2, will need to surrender before the jail authorities at the end of the current relief period and will then be released again on interim bail from June 25 to June 30.
The court specified that Rashid will not need to provide a new personal bond or surety if he had already done so to the satisfaction of the Jail Superintendent as per the previous order. All conditions set in the earlier order dated May 18 will remain in effect during this fresh period of interim bail.
Senior advocate N. Hariharan, representing Rashid, informed the bench that while Rashid had attended the last rites, the 40th-day ceremony scheduled for June 27 holds significant religious importance for the family. He also pointed out that the travel from custody to Srinagar and back to Tihar Jail would require additional time.
The Delhi High Court, despite opposition from the NIA counsel, deemed it reasonable to grant a short period of relief in these circumstances. Rashid will be released on interim bail from June 25 to June 30, subject to the same strict conditions imposed previously.
In a previous order on May 18, the Delhi High Court had granted interim bail to Rashid until June 2 to allow him to attend his father’s funeral and perform the last rites. During this period, Rashid was required to be under the continuous escort of at least two plainclothes police personnel. His movements were restricted to his residences in Srinagar and Kupwara districts of Jammu and Kashmir, with permission to visit only the burial ground or place of worship for customary rites. Rashid was also directed to use only one mobile number, stay in touch with the Investigating Officer, and refrain from contacting witnesses or engaging in any unlawful activities.
Rashid, who is facing trial in a terror-funding case investigated by the NIA, has spent several years in custody and has previously been granted custody parole on multiple occasions, including to attend Parliament sessions.
