New Delhi, July 15: Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi on Tuesday said that the NIA Court at Patiala House today heard the petition seeking permission for AIP President and Member of Parliament from Baramulla Engineer Rashid to attend the upcoming Parliament session scheduled to commence from July 21.
Engineer Rashid was represented by advocates Aditya Wadhwa accompanied by Vikhyat Oberoi and Nishita Gupta who forcefully argued for interim bail or in the alternative, permission to attend the Parliament proceedings in custody, emphasizing that this request was being made in discharge of his constitutional and public duty, not for personal purposes.
Inam Un Nabi said that the counsel pointed out that the trial court had earlier granted interim bail to Er Rashid on September 10, 2024, for campaigning in the Jammu & Kashmir Assembly elections, which was extended thrice, thereby affirming that he does not pose any security threat.
Further, they recalled that the Hon’ble Delhi High Court had already permitted Engineer Rashid to attend Parliament proceedings in custody on two earlier occasions—via orders dated February 10, 2025, and March 25, 2025—both of which he complied with and participated respectfully.
However, NIA opposed the plea and argued against granting interim bail. They also contended that if he is permitted to attend in custody, he must bear the cost of travel. Er Rashid’s counsel strongly objected to this, asserting that as an elected Member of Parliament, he is seeking permission purely in the interest of public service and the democratic mandate he represents, not for any personal convenience and should not be made to bear such expenses.
Inam Un Nabi stated that the Court has now reserved its orders, which are expected to be pronounced on July 21, the opening day of the Parliament session.
AIP remains hopeful that the judiciary will recognize the constitutional and democratic rights of Er Rashid and allow him to fulfill his responsibilities as a sitting Member of Parliament.
