New Delhi: Jailed MP Engineer Rashid from Jammu and Kashmir has asked for special permission to leave jail temporarily so he can attend the next session of Parliament. His lawyer, Vikhyat Oberoi, argued in front of judge Chander Jit Singh that Rashid poses no safety threat and needs to fulfill his duties as a member of Parliament.
Rashid’s request for temporary bail was made on February 27, and the judge will decide on March 7. The National Investigation Agency (NIA), which looks into serious crimes, was asked for its opinion before the judge makes a decision.
Rashid has already prepared questions about the work of important departments in Jammu and Kashmir to discuss in Parliament. His lawyer explained that Rashid represents a significant portion of Kashmir and should be allowed to speak for his people. He emphasized that attending Parliament is not just a right, but also a responsibility Rashid wants to fulfill.
On the other hand, the NIA’s lawyer disagreed, saying being a member of Parliament doesn’t mean someone can be let out of jail easily. They argued that any person might claim they need to do their job, but it shouldn’t lead to special treatment.
Engineer Rashid previously won elections against former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in Baramulla. He has been in Tihar Prison since October 2019 after being accused of serious crimes related to funding terrorism. The hearing for his regular bail is still awaiting a decision. The next session of Parliament will start on March 10 and end on April 4.
Leave a Reply