Engineer Rashid Allowed to Take Oath as MP in Parliament

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has given its consent for jailed Kashmiri leader Abdul Rashid Sheikh, also known as Engineer Rashid, to take his oath as a Member of Parliament (MP) on July 5. Rashid, who hails from Baramulla, won the recent Lok Sabha elections while in custody.

Rashid had requested interim bail or custody parole to attend the oath-taking ceremony. The Patiala House Court’s special judge, Chander Jit Singh, will pass an order on his bail plea tomorrow. Rashid has been in custody for the last five years due to a terror funding case lodged by the NIA.

The NIA has suggested three dates, from July 5 to 7, for Rashid to take his oath, with his defense counsel, Vikhyat Oberoi, agreeing to July 5 as the other dates are holidays. The NIA’s consent comes with conditions, including that Rashid should not interact with the media.

Rashid’s counsel has also requested the court to allow Rashid to obtain his Identity card, CGHS card, and open a bank account. Additionally, they have asked for permission for Rashid’s family members to be present during the oath-taking ceremony.

The court had previously granted time for the NIA to file a reply on Rashid’s application, citing the matter under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Rashid’s counsel argued that he won with a significant majority and that people want him to represent them in Parliament democratically.

The court may direct the jail authorities or the NIA to coordinate with the Lok Sabha Secretariat to specify the date for Rashid’s oath-taking. The NIA had sought time to work out the logistics if Rashid is granted bail. Rashid’s counsel referenced previous court orders that allowed accused individuals to take their oaths while in custody.

Rashid, a two-time MLA, now needs to take his oath as an MP after winning the election. The exact date for the oath ceremony is yet to be declared.