NIA Opposes Shifting of Engineer Rashid’s Terror Funding Case to MP/MLA Court
New Delhi, November 27 – The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has urged the Delhi High Court to retain jurisdiction over the terror funding case involving former MLA Engineer Rashid, advocating that the Special NIA Court under the Patiala House jurisdiction hear the matter instead of transferring it to an MP/MLA court.
The plea was presented during a hearing at the Special NIA Court, where Senior Advocate Siddharth Luthra, representing the NIA, stated that a letter would be sent to the Delhi High Court to seek the required designation for the Patiala House court. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on December 6, with the High Court expected to respond within ten days.
NIA’s Argument for Retaining Jurisdiction
The NIA argued that transferring the case to an MP/MLA court would unnecessarily delay the trial. The agency emphasized that under the NIA Act, it holds the mandate to handle cases registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Citing these powers, the agency sought exclusive jurisdiction for the Special NIA Court to expedite proceedings.
Rashid’s Interim Bail Plea Pending
Advocate Vikhyat Oberoi, representing Engineer Rashid, appealed for a formal notice regarding the interim bail plea. However, the court deferred the matter until the next hearing, leaving the plea unresolved.
Background of the Case
Engineer Rashid, a former legislator from Jammu and Kashmir, was arrested in 2019 in connection with an alleged terror funding case under the UAPA. After his interim bail expired recently, he surrendered at Tihar Jail.
The court proceedings and the High Court’s impending decision will determine the jurisdiction of the case, which has drawn significant legal and political attention.
