Delhi HC Rejects Engineer Rashid's Appeal in Terror Funding Case

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday dismissed a plea by jailed Lok Sabha MP from Baramulla, Sheikh Abdul Rashid, challenging the framing of charges against him in a terror funding case. A bench of Justices Prathiba M Singh and Madhu Jain ruled that the appeal was not maintainable and ordered its dismissal.

Rashid, popularly known as Engineer Rashid, has been in Tihar Jail since 2019 after his arrest by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in connection with the 2017 terror funding case. He is accused of allegedly funding separatist and terror groups in Jammu and Kashmir.

The NIA’s FIR cited Rashid’s involvement following the interrogation of co-accused businessman Zahoor Watali, leading to charges being framed against him and others. In March 2022, a special NIA court framed charges including criminal conspiracy (IPC 120B), waging war against the government (IPC 121), sedition (IPC 124A), and terror funding offences under UAPA.

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Despite the ongoing trial, Rashid was granted custody parole to attend the Budget Session of Parliament, which began on Wednesday. Under this arrangement, he is escorted by armed police personnel to the Parliament premises and returned to jail afterward.

The Delhi High Court’s decision underscores that challenges to the framing of charges in ongoing NIA trials will face strict judicial scrutiny, emphasizing procedural correctness in high-profile terror-related cases.

Authorities continue to monitor Rashid’s movements closely during parole and ensure that legal and security protocols are strictly followed while he attends parliamentary sessions.

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