Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid Challenges Parliament Travel Cost Condition in Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court has been deliberating on a plea from Baramulla MP Abdul Rashid Sheikh, alias Engineer Rashid, who seeks to amend a previous court directive mandating him to cover his own travel expenses while in custody to fulfill his parliamentary duties. Senior counsel for Rashid argued that the current condition hinders his ability to serve his constituents effectively.

Engineer Rashid is challenging the condition laid out in a March 25 order, demanding a deposit of Rs. 4 Lakh for travel expenses. The bench, composed of justices Vivek Chaudhary and Anup Jairam Bhambhani, has slated the matter for further hearing on August 12. Advocate N. Hariharan, representing Rashid, emphasized the request for a modification rather than a review of the court's order.

During court proceedings, the bench questioned the maintainability of Rashid's plea, contemplating whether it should be addressed as a modification or a review. Senior advocate Siddharth Luthra, appearing for the NIA, pointed out that the order was consensual. While the interim bail arguments included custody parole, the clause for travel cost reimbursement was contested, as Rashid was previously allowed to attend parliament cost-free. The bench cited a Supreme Court precedent, reinforcing the norm of cost-bearing by the beneficiary of custody parole.

(With inputs from agencies.)