Delhi High Court Grants Interim Bail to Engineer Rashid to Attend Father’s 40th-Day Funeral Ceremony

May 26, 2026 : The Delhi High Court has granted interim bail to Baramulla MP and Awami Ittehad Party chief Engineer Rashid in a terror funding case, permitting him to travel to Kashmir to attend the 40th-day funeral ceremony of his late father.

A Division Bench comprising Justices Prathiba M. Singh and Madhu Jain allowed the temporary release on humanitarian grounds. Rashid, who has been lodged in Tihar Jail since 2019, was arrested by the National Investigation Agency under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in connection with an alleged terror funding case linked to separatist activities in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Court considered submissions made on Rashid’s behalf regarding the death of his father and the religious significance of the traditional 40th-day rites and prayers scheduled to take place in Kashmir. His counsel urged the Bench to permit him to participate in the family ceremony and related rituals.

Opposing the plea, the NIA cited the gravity of the allegations against Rashid and raised concerns relating to security and public order. However, after weighing the circumstances, the High Court granted interim relief subject to strict conditions.

The Bench directed that Rashid would remain under continuous security supervision during the interim bail period. He has been restrained from engaging in public activities, addressing gatherings, or interacting with the media. Restrictions have also been imposed on his movement, and the Court ordered him to surrender before jail authorities immediately upon expiry of the interim bail period.

Rashid was arrested in 2019 in a terror funding investigation involving allegations that separatist leaders, businessmen, and others received funds to fuel unrest and secessionist activities in Jammu and Kashmir. Despite remaining in custody, he contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Baramulla and defeated former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.