Abdul Rashid Sheikh Seeks Interim Bail to Visit Ill Father

Request for Bail Filed in Delhi High Court

Abdul Rashid Sheikh, a Member of Parliament from Baramulla, also known as Engineer Rashid, has approached the Delhi High Court seeking interim bail to visit his ailing father. This request comes just a day after a similar plea was rejected by the Patiala House Court. The High Court is expected to hear this petition next week. Additionally, Sheikh's regular bail application is scheduled for a hearing on Monday before Justice Pratibha M. Singh's division bench. The plea was filed through his lawyer, Vikhaat Oberoi. On April 24, the Patiala House Court denied Sheikh's interim bail request, which was aimed at allowing him to see his father, who is currently on a ventilator.

Court Proceedings and Arguments

Special Judge Prashant Sharma, after listening to arguments from both the defense attorney and the Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), dismissed the plea. SPP Gautam Khazanchi opposed the request, citing a confidential report. However, the agency indicated that Abdul Rashid Sheikh could be considered for custody parole, adding that they would not object if such a parole was granted. Oberoi countered the NIA's arguments, asserting that the confidential report should not be accepted unless shared with the accused, and he further stated that they dispute the facts presented in the report.

Health Concerns and Political Context

Oberoi emphasized that Sheikh's father is critically ill and on a ventilator. He noted that Sheikh had previously been granted interim bail to contest elections, yet his current plea for interim bail is being contested despite his father's serious condition. Oberoi argued that this is a politically motivated case, pointing out that Sheikh was arrested shortly after the abrogation of Article 370.

NIA's Response and Future Hearings

On April 20, the court granted the NIA time to file its response to Sheikh's interim bail application, in which he seeks temporary release to visit his sick father. Sheikh is currently in judicial custody at Tihar Jail in connection with a terror funding case registered by the NIA.

Further Developments

On April 17, it was argued in court that Sheikh's father is gravely ill and hospitalized, and that Sheikh is requesting a month of interim bail. Meanwhile, SPP Gautam Khazanchi opposed the plea on several grounds but suggested that Sheikh could be granted custody parole to meet his father.