Delhi High Court seeks NIA's response on MP Abdul Rashid's plea in terror funding case
The court also called for the trial court record in the matter and listed the plea for further hearing on October 6.
Mr. Rashid has been lodged in Tihar Jail since 2019 following his arrest by the NIA under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in connection with a 2017 terror funding case.
On March 21, the trial court had dismissed his second regular bail application.
In his appeal against the order, the Jammu and Kashmir MP submitted that he had already spent over five years in custody and that the delay in trial, which was unlikely to conclude soon, entitled him to bail.
The bail plea also contended that the allegations against him were unfounded, asserting that he had never been involved in secessionist or terrorist activities.
'The appellant is a mainstream political leader of J&K having been elected twice as an MLA and recently as an MP. Due to his passionate engagement in mainstream politics, he became a potential target for those who preached separatist ideologies including militant outfits, labelling him as a traitor,' the plea submitted.
'A mere political comment made on the hanging of Afzal Guru showing disapprobation of the measures of the government or criticising a judgement of the courts cannot be construed to mean as an association with terrorists much less any association which has a nexus with the commission of any unlawful or terrorist activity,' it submitted.
Mr. Rashid also sought interim bail to attend Lok Sabha sessions, contending that his presence was imperative as he represented 45% of the Kashmir valley and had been 'assigned the role to act as a bridge between Parliament and the people of his constituency'.
The Baramulla MP, who defeated National Conference leader Omar Abdullah in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, is facing trial in a case alleging that he financed separatist and terrorist groups in Jammu and Kashmir.
According to the NIA's FIR, Mr. Rashid's name had emerged during the interrogation of businessman and co-accused Zahoor Watali.
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