A Delhi court is set to pronounce its verdict on March 21 on the bail plea of J&K MP Engineer Rashid, who has been lodged in Tihar Jail since 2019 in connection with a terror funding case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The Additional Sessions Judge Chander Jit Singh, who was supposed to issue the ruling earlier, postponed the judgment.

Engineer Rashid, also known as Sheikh Abdul Rashid, was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) after his name emerged in the interrogation of co-accused businessman Zahoor Watali. The case, which dates back to 2017, alleges that Rashid financially supported separatists and terror groups in Jammu and Kashmir. The NIA’s chargesheet, filed in October 2019, invoked Sections 120B (criminal conspiracy), 121 (waging war against the government), and 124A (sedition) of the Indian Penal Code, along with terror-related offenses under the UAPA.

The trial court had granted interim bail to Rashid on September 10 to allow him to campaign for the J&K Assembly elections, where he contested against Omar Abdullah and secured victory as the Baramulla MP. His interim bail was extended until October 28 due to his father’s ill health after the NIA verified documents and raised no objections.

The Delhi High Court is also scheduled to hear Rashid’s petition on March 25, where he seeks permission to attend the ongoing Parliament session. The NIA strongly opposed the plea, stating that his status as an MP does not grant him the right to evade imprisonment. The agency further argued that under Section 43D(5) of the UAPA, an accused cannot be granted bail if prima facie evidence supports the charges.

Rashid’s legal counsel has appealed for custody parole, citing a previous two-day reprieve that allowed him to attend Parliament proceedings. If granted, this would mean he could attend Lok Sabha sessions under armed police escort.

The J&K Assembly elections, conducted in three phases from September 18 to October 1, saw the National Conference-Congress alliance securing a clear majority with 48 seats. Rashid’s victory against Omar Abdullah was seen as a major political shift.

The outcome of the bail plea on March 21 will be a crucial moment for Rashid’s future, determining whether he remains in custody or secures a temporary release.

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