The Delhi High Court has permitted Engineer Rashid, a former MLA from the Jammu and Kashmir assembly, to visit his ailing father. The court’s order allows him to be released from judicial custody daily to meet his father until May 10.
The Chenab Times has learned that a bench comprising Justices Prathiba M Singh and Madhu Jain specified that Engineer Rashid would be permitted to visit his father between 8 am and 8 pm each day. He is mandated to return to jail after these stipulated hours, adhering strictly to the court’s directives.
Engineer Rashid, who represented the assembly constituency of Langate in north Kashmir, was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in 2020. He faces charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) related to a terror funding case. His continued detention has prevented him from attending to his father’s deteriorating health, prompting the current bail application.
The bail order comes after a period of intense legal deliberation and follows similar humanitarian considerations often extended by courts in cases involving the health of immediate family members of incarcerated individuals. The specific terms of the bail are designed to balance the need for the undertrial to care for his family with the interests of justice and national security, as represented by the charges he faces.
The details of the father’s illness were presented before the court, highlighting the urgency and emotional distress faced by the family. Sources close to the legal proceedings indicated that the court carefully considered the medical reports and the undertrial’s familial obligations before issuing the conditional release order. The limited duration of the parole, until May 10, suggests a cautious approach by the judiciary.
Engineer Rashid’s political career has been marked by his vocal stance on various issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir. His incarceration has sidelined him from active political participation, and this temporary release offers a brief window for him to reconnect with his family during a critical period. The case has drawn attention from various quarters, with some human rights advocates highlighting the plight of undertrials seeking to attend to familial emergencies.
The NIA, during the proceedings, would have presented its concerns regarding any potential flight risk or interference with ongoing investigations. However, the court’s decision indicates that these concerns were adequately addressed or mitigated by the strict conditions imposed on Engineer Rashid’s release. The daily reporting to jail authorities and the limited visiting hours are standard protocols to ensure compliance and maintain security.
This development brings a temporary respite to the family, allowing for a period of familial connection amidst challenging legal circumstances. The court’s intervention underscores the principle that even in cases involving serious charges, humanitarian considerations for family welfare can be accommodated within the legal framework.
❤️ Support Independent Journalism
Your contribution keeps our reporting free, fearless, and accessible to everyone.
Or make a one-time donation
Secure via Razorpay • 12 monthly payments • Cancel anytime before next cycle
(We don't allow anyone to copy content. For Copyright or Use of Content related questions, visit here.)
The Chenab Times News Desk
