SRINAGAR: Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) on Friday welcomed the order of the Patiala House Court, New Delhi, permitting MP Baramulla Engineer Rashid to attend the entire Monsoon Session of Parliament while remaining in judicial custody.
AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi, in a statement issued here, said the order is a victory for democratic principles and ensures that the people of Baramulla will continue to have their voice represented in Parliament.
Quoting the court order, Inam said, “The Court has categorically observed, ‘It is suffice to conclude that application has merits with respect to relief (a). Said prayer is allowed.’ This clearly establishes that the Court found merit in Engineer Rashid’s plea to discharge his constitutional responsibilities as an elected Member of Parliament.”
Inam Un Nabi further said that the Court has granted Engineer Rashid permission to attend the 8th Parliamentary Session of the 18th Lok Sabha from July 20 to August 13, 2026, besides any additional dates that may subsequently be notified, while directing the Jail Superintendent to produce him before Parliament under custody on every sitting day.
Inam Un Nabi also quoted another significant observation of the Court, saying, “The order specifically states that its purpose is ‘to allow the applicant/accused to participate in Parliamentary proceedings of the Lok Sabha for the given dates.’ This reflects the importance of protecting the democratic mandate given by the people.”
Meanwhile AIP State Secretary Sheikh Ashiq welcomed the court order permitting MP Er. Rashid to attend the Parliament session, calling it a welcome step in upholding democratic values. He expressed hope that the Hon’ble High Court, during the next hearing on 22nd July, would grant regular bail to Engineer Rashid, enabling him to serve the people of Jammu and Kashmir without any further restrictions.