Srinagar: The family of jailed Kashmiri leader Sheikh Abdul Rashid, known as Er Rashid, is mulling to approach the Delhi High Court to seek a fast-track trial of the criminal case against him.
Hours after the probe agency, the National Investigation Agency (NIA), gave its consent for Er Rashid to take an oath as MP on July 5, his counsel, Ubaid Shams, told that his family was overjoyed and that they were prepared to pursue every legal option to secure his release.
“It’s good that the NIA has taken this decision. It will send a positive signal and give hope to the family who want to see him free soon,” he said.
Shams said Rashid’s legal team was currently working out the modalities of the case and exploring different legal remedies available for the jailed leader. However, its priority is to ensure his smooth oath-taking on Friday.
“We will continue working on his case with vigour, but we are waiting for his oath-taking ceremony in the Lok Sabha. Then, we will be able to finalise our pleas to be filed in the high court,” he said.
According to the counsel, if the fast-track trial is approved, the court must conclude the trial within 60 days.
Rashid, the MP from Baramulla who has been arrested in a 2017 Jammu and Kashmir terror funding case, had moved the court seeking interim bail, or custody parole in the alternative, to take oath and perform his parliamentary functions. A special court here on June 22 adjourned the matter and asked the NIA to file its response.
On Monday, the NIA’s counsel said Rashid’s oath-taking would be subject to some conditions, like not speaking to the media. He also said Rashid must complete everything within a day.
Rashid has been in jail since 2019 after he was charged by the NIA under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for his alleged involvement in a terror funding case. He is currently lodged in Tihar jail—(KNO)
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