NEW DELHI, APRIL 28: The Delhi High Court on Tuesday granted a one-week interim bail to Member of Parliament Abdul Rashid Sheikh, popularly known as Engineer Rashid, to visit his critically ill father in Srinagar. The court stated that the relief was granted on humanitarian grounds, observing that Rashid has been in judicial custody for over six years.
Presiding over the matter, the court declared that the situation warranted sensitive intervention given the medical condition of the MP’s father, Khazir Mohammad Sheikh, who is reportedly on ventilator support. “After going through records, the court is of the opinion that this is a fit case for grant of interim bail for one week,” the court noted in its order. The bail is subject to a personal bond of ₹1 lakh and a surety of the same amount.
The court maintained that the bail comes with strict conditions to ensure security and compliance. Rashid is required to be accompanied by two police officials at all times and must remain either at his residence or the hospital where his father is receiving treatment. Officials affirmed that the expenses for these security arrangements will be borne by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Rashid is also prohibited from interacting with the media or influencing any witnesses during his stay in Srinagar.
Engineer Rashid, who serves as the MP for Baramulla and is the founder of the Awami Ittehad Party, has been lodged in Delhi’s Tihar Jail since 2019. He faces charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in a case investigated by the NIA. His party spokespersons welcomed the decision, stating that the order reflects judicial sensitivity toward human suffering.
