Srinagar: A New Delhi court has granted Sheikh Abdul Rashid, known as Engineer Rashid, a two-hour custody parole to enable him to take oath as a member of the Indian Lok Sabha on July 5.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Rashid, who previously served as an MLA for Langate in Kupwara district, had petitioned for either interim bail or custody parole to attend to his parliamentary responsibilities. The decision, rendered by Additional Sessions Judge Chander Jit Singh, followed authorization from India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA). Rashid’s attorney, Vikhyat Oberoi, stated that the court has permitted Rashid’s family to join him during the oath-taking and the subsequent MP registration process. Rashid has been detained in Tihar Jail since 2019, facing charges related to a funding case.
Simultaneously, the Punjab Government has requested Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to grant parole to Amritpal Singh, another detainee under the National Security Act, so he can assume his duties as the MP for Khadoor Sahib. Singh, who received significant electoral support, awaits a decision on his parole. Advocates for Singh highlight his dedication to addressing local issues, such as drug abuse and youth welfare, arguing for his opportunity to serve effectively in parliament.