Court Adjourns Interim Bail Plea of Sheikh Abdul Rashid.

||Black and White Digital News||

||Parvinder Singh June 23, 2024||

NEW DELHI : The legal battle of newly elected Lok Sabha MP from north Kashmir, Sheikh Abdul Rashid, took a critical turn on Saturday when a special court denied his interim bail plea. Rashid, arrested in a 2017 Jammu and Kashmir terror funding case, sought temporary release to take his oath as a Member of Parliament. However, the court adjourned the matter till July 1, leaving his participation in the upcoming parliamentary sessions in question.

NIA Ordered to Respond and Consult Parliament on Oath Ceremony…

The court directed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to submit a response to Rashid’s plea and consult with Parliament and Tihar jail authorities regarding his participation in the oath ceremony. The newly elected Lok Sabha MPs are scheduled to take their oaths on June 24, 25, and 26, raising concerns about Rashid’s ability to fulfill his constitutional duties.

Comparison with Sanjay Singh Case Rejected by Court…

During the hearing, Rashid’s counsel sought custody parole for the oath-taking, drawing parallels with a recent case involving AAP leader Sanjay Singh, who was granted similar relief to take his oath as a Rajya Sabha MP. However, Additional Sessions Judge Kiran Gupta highlighted the distinct nature of the charges against Rashid compared to those faced by Singh, thereby rejecting the comparison.

Judge Grants NIA Additional Time…

The court acknowledged the NIA’s request for more time to file a response and scheduled the next hearing for July 1. The judge directed the NIA to inform the court about the arrangements for Rashid’s oath-taking by that date. “Let reply, if any, be filed by NIA on 01.07.2024 before the concerned Court. As directed vide order dated 18.06.2024, NIA is also directed to apprise the court about the date on which the applicant/accused may take oath as Member of Parliament,” the judge stated.

Defense Argues for Rashid’s Constitutional Rights…

Advocate Vikhyat Oberoi, representing Rashid, passionately argued for his client’s right to take the oath, emphasizing the democratic mandate given by the people of north Kashmir. “He is the person who won the election with a vast majority. People love him and want him to fight in Parliament democratically,” Oberoi asserted. Highlighting Rashid’s constitutional duty, he added, “I am compelled to beg before them for taking an oath. This is really shameful.”

Awaiting Clarity on Rashid’s Parliamentary Role…

As the court awaits the NIA’s response, the political future of Sheikh Abdul Rashid hangs in the balance. His supporters argue that his participation in Parliament is crucial for representing the democratic will of his constituents, while the NIA’s investigation continues to cast a shadow over his political career.

The adjournment to July 1 leaves Rashid’s immediate political activities uncertain. The court’s decision on that day will likely determine whether he can take his oath and assume his role in the Lok Sabha or remain in legal limbo.