New Delhi, September 9, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Delhi High Court on Wednesday asked the National Investigation Agency (NIA) whether Baramulla Lok Sabha MP Abdul Rashid Sheikh, popularly known as Engineer Rashid, could be released on bail subject to stringent conditions, including a direction to remain in the national capital.
A bench of Justices Prathiba M. Singh and Vikas Mahajan asked senior advocate Siddharth Luthra, appearing for the NIA, to seek instructions on the possibility of granting bail under such conditions. The matter has been listed for further hearing on November 3.
The court was hearing Rashid’s appeal against a trial court order denying him regular bail in the terror-funding case being investigated by the NIA under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Opposing the bail plea, Luthra submitted that sufficient material existed against Rashid to deny him relief. He also argued that the allegations were serious and that Rashid was accused of indulging in anti-national activities and having links with a terrorist.
The NIA told the court that the testimonies of two witnesses were crucial to the case, including that of a protected witness. Following the submissions, the High Court directed that the statements of the two witnesses be recorded before the trial court ahead of the next hearing.
Rashid has remained in custody for several years while facing trial in the terror-funding case. He has previously been granted custody parole on multiple occasions, including to attend Parliament sessions.
He contested the Lok Sabha election from jail and defeated National Conference Vice President and now Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah by more than two lakh votes in the Baramulla constituency. People’s Conference President Sajad Gani Lone finished third.
Rashid’s Awami Itihad Party (AIP) won one seat in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, with his brother Khurshid Ahmad Sheikh winning from Langate in Kupwara district. Engineer Rashid himself has represented Langate twice in the past.
Earlier this year, the Delhi High Court granted Rashid interim bail on several occasions to attend to family obligations. On May 26, the court allowed him a fresh spell of interim bail from June 25 to June 30 to attend the Chehlum, or 40th-day rituals, following the death of his father.
The relief was subject to stringent conditions, including continuous escort by at least two plainclothes police personnel, restrictions on his stay and movement, use of only one mobile number, maintaining contact with the investigating officer, and a direction not to contact witnesses or engage in any unlawful activity.
In an order passed on May 18, the High Court had also granted Rashid interim bail until June 2 to attend his father’s funeral and perform the last rites. His father had died at AIIMS-Delhi.
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