In a significant development in the ongoing terrorism financing case, Patiala House Court has delayed its decision on the bail plea of Baramulla MP, Engineer Rashid.
The court, after hearing the plea, announced that it would deliver its verdict on March 21, 2025.
Background & Court’s Proceedings
Engineer Rashid, currently incarcerated in Tihar Jail, faces serious charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for allegedly financing terrorism.
His legal team has sought bail on various grounds, including health-related issues and his role in Jammu and Kashmir’s upcoming Assembly elections.
Earlier, on September 10, 2024, the Court had granted Rashid interim bail to enable him to campaign in the state elections.
His bail was extended once more on medical grounds in October 2024, as his father’s health deteriorated.
Despite these temporary reprieves, Rashid remains in judicial custody since his arrest in 2019 by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Rashid stands accused of using his position to fund terrorist activities in the region, leading to his prolonged detention.
The case continues to attract significant political and legal attention, with Rashid’s supporters asserting that the charges are politically motivated.
Court’s Ruling & Further Developments
As the case progresses, Rashid’s legal team continues to push for his release, emphasizing the unfairness of prolonged detention without sufficient evidence.
In the previous hearings, Rashid’s counsel argued that his continued incarceration was unwarranted, given the lack of clear evidence to justify the charges against him.
However, the NIA has maintained its stance, asserting that Rashid’s involvement in the financing of terrorism is substantial and that his release could lead to the obstruction of ongoing investigations.
During the proceedings, Patiala House Court Judge, Additional Sessions Judge Chandrjit Singh, asked both parties to submit their final arguments on the issue.
After hearing the arguments, the court decided to defer its decision, citing the complexity of the case and the need for further examination of the evidence.
Political Implications
Engineer Rashid, a prominent figure in Jammu and Kashmir’s politics, has faced considerable scrutiny due to his political ideology and affiliations.
His arrest has sparked debates over political freedoms in the region and the use of anti-terror laws to suppress dissent.
As a member of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, his arrest and ongoing detention have significant political implications, particularly in light of the changing political landscape in the state.
The legal and political ramifications of Engineer Rashid’s case will continue to unfold in the coming weeks.
The delay in the court’s decision reflects the gravity of the charges against him and the complexity of the case.
As the judicial process moves forward, the fate of Rashid’s bail plea remains uncertain, with the next hearing scheduled for March 21, 2025.
The case will likely have lasting consequences for both Rashid’s political future and the broader debate surrounding the application of anti-terror laws in India.
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