Delhi HC Reserves Order on MP Engineer Rashid’s Bail Plea
NIA opposes relief in terror-funding case, citing alleged anti-India activities and contact with protected witnesses
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 3rd Nov: The Delhi High Court on Tuesday reserved its order on the bail plea of Baramulla MP Abdul Rashid Sheikh, popularly known as Engineer Rashid, who has been in custody since August 2019 in a terror-funding case investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Rashid faces charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). During the hearing, his counsel argued that he had spent nearly seven years in custody and pointed to the Supreme Court’s decision to grant bail to another accused, Shabir Ahmad Shah, in March 2026.
Defence cites prolonged custody
Appearing for Rashid, his legal team argued that he had remained behind bars for nearly seven years in the case.
The defence also referred to the Supreme Court’s March 2026 decision granting bail to Shabir Ahmad Shah, another accused facing charges under the same provisions. It relied on the development while seeking similar relief for the Baramulla MP.
NIA raises objections to bail
The NIA opposed the bail application, alleging that Rashid had delivered speeches against India and supported anti-India activities.
The agency also referred to two protected witnesses and alleged that Rashid had met witnesses while he was out on interim bail. It cited these circumstances in opposing his release.
Order awaited
After hearing the arguments from both sides, the Delhi High Court reserved its order on the bail application.
Rashid’s plea now awaits the court’s decision. The allegations against him remain subject to judicial determination.
