Delhi HC Seeks NIA’s Reply on MP Engineer Rashid’s Plea in Terror Case

SRINAGAR: The Delhi High Court on Thursday seeks the National Investigation Agency’s (NIA) response to framing of charges against Baramulla MP Abdul Rashid Sheikh in a terror Funding case.

As per Hindustan Times report, a division bench of Justices Vivek Chaudhary and Shalinder Kaur not only issued a notice to the NIA but also granted the agency time to file its detailed reply, marking a promising step toward a comprehensive judicial review. The court has scheduled the next hearing for October 6 and also called for the relevant trial court records to ensure a fair and thorough examination.

In another move, Rashid’s regular bail application remains under the court’s consideration. The MP has already spent over five years in custody, and his legal team argues that the delay in trial supports his right to be released on bail, especially given his clean record of mainstream political engagement.

Rashid’s petition against the Rs 1.44 lakh-per-day travel expenses for attending Parliament in custody has now been routed to a bench that had previously heard a related matter offering continuity and a better understanding of the case context. A division bench had earlier allowed Rashid to attend the Budget Session, directing a deposit of Rs 4 lakh for transport, setting a positive precedent.

His plea also reiterates that political statements critical of government actions or court rulings do not equate to support for terrorism, a point that underscores the democratic right to dissent.

This renewed judicial attention signals a ray of hope for the Baramulla MP and his supporters, who are optimistic that justice will be served in a fair and timely manner.