Delhi High Court Issues Notice on Rashid Engineer's Bail Plea in Terror Case

The Delhi High Court has taken up Rashid Engineer’s plea to expedite his bail decision in a terror funding case. Arrested in 2019 under UAPA, the Baramulla MP claims prolonged inaction violates his constitutional rights and leaves his constituency unrepresented. The next hearing is set for January 30, 2025.

The Delhi High Court has issued a notice regarding a plea filed by Jammu and Kashmir MP Rashid Engineer, seeking an expedited decision on his bail application in a terror funding case. The notice was issued to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), and the next hearing is scheduled for January 30, 2025.

Rashid Engineer, an independent MP from Baramulla, approached the High Court after a special judge for NIA cases refused to pass an order on his bail application on December 23, 2024, citing jurisdictional constraints. Engineer’s counsel argued that the prolonged withholding of the decision violates his fundamental rights under Article 21 of the Constitution, depriving him of his liberty without justification.

In 2019, Engineer was arrested under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for alleged involvement in terror funding. The NIA claims that he and other accused used illicit funds to fuel unrest in Jammu and Kashmir, collaborating with organisations like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Pakistan’s ISI. The case also involves prominent separatist leaders such as Hafiz Saeed and Yasin Malik.

Also Read: Bollywood Celebrities Face Death Threats, Mumbai Police Takes Action

Engineer’s plea highlights the adverse impact of the delay on his constituency, as he is unable to represent Baramulla in Parliament. The NIA stated that the designation of the NIA court as an MP/MLA court is under consideration.

The High Court’s decision on January 30 will determine whether Engineer’s plea for bail is finally addressed.