The National Investigation Agency has finally granted permission to incarcerated Engineer Rashid to swear in as a member of the 18th Lok Sabha on July 5.
The development emerged during proceedings at the Patiala House Court in Delhi where Engineer Rashid had applied for interim bail or custody parole to personally attend the swearing-in ceremony as a Lok Sabha member.
The NIA told the court that it has no objections to Engineer Rashid becoming a member of the Lok Sabha. They, however, urged the court to impose certain restrictions on him, including a ban on speaking to the media, if he were to be allowed to take oath. The court is likely to pass its order on Tuesday.
Recently, the constituency election for the Baramulla Lok Sabha was won by Engineer Rashid against former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Sajad Gani Lone of the People's Conference.
Mr Rashid, the 56-year-old former MLA from Langate in Kupwara district was arrested in 2019 and subsequently charged under the stringent UAPA by NIA on allegations of terror financing. He has remained in Tihar jail since August 9, 2019. Though now an MP, Rashid can take oath as he is not convicted though he will have to return back to jail.
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