New Delhi, Jan 24: A Delhi court has granted custody parole to Baramulla Member of Parliament Engineer Rashid, enabling him to attend the forthcoming Budget Session of Parliament while remaining under official supervision.
The order was passed by Additional Sessions Judge Prashant Sharma of the Patiala House Courts, who permitted Rashid to attend parliamentary proceedings from February 28 to April 2, the full duration of the Budget Session. The court clarified that the permission has been granted under custody parole, meaning Rashid will remain under constant security escort and will not enjoy any form of personal liberty during this period.
Engineer Rashid is currently lodged in Tihar Jail in connection with a terror-funding case being investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). While allowing the request, the court emphasised that the parole does not affect the merits of the case or the ongoing trial. The judge observed that participation in parliamentary business is a constitutional duty of an elected representative and denying attendance could impact democratic representation.
However, the court imposed strict conditions. Rashid will be escorted to and from Parliament by security personnel and will not be permitted to interact with the media, address public gatherings, or engage in political activities outside the House. Any violation of the conditions may result in immediate cancellation of the parole.
Rashid’s legal counsel had argued that as a sitting Member of Parliament, he is obligated to take part in legislative debates, discussions on the Union Budget, and other parliamentary business. The defence maintained that attending the session would not interfere with the investigation or pose any security risk, given that he would remain in custody.
The prosecution, while opposing unrestricted parole, did not object to custody parole provided adequate safeguards were in place. The court agreed with this position and underlined the need to strike a balance between national security concerns and constitutional responsibilities.
Engineer Rashid was arrested in connection with alleged terror-funding activities and has been in judicial custody for several months. His case remains under trial, and the court reiterated that the grant of custody parole should not be viewed as any comment on his guilt or innocence.
The upcoming Budget Session of Parliament is expected to be crucial, with the Union Government scheduled to present the annual budget and several key policy matters likely to be debated. Rashid’s presence in the House will allow his constituency to be represented during these important discussions, albeit under strict supervision.
