Sheikh Abdul Rashid, also known as Er Rashid, has approached Delhi’s Patiala House Court seeking interim bail to take his oath as a Member of Parliament. Rashid, an independent candidate, won the Baramulla Parliamentary seat in north Kashmir, defeating former J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah by over two lakh votes.

Rashid is currently incarcerated in Delhi’s Tihar Jail, facing charges under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) in an alleged terror-funding case. His lawyer, Vikhyat Oberoi, said they are requesting either interim bail or custody parole to allow Rashid to fulfill his parliamentary duties.

Additional Sessions Judge Chander Jit Singh has requested a response from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and scheduled the next hearing for Friday, according to the Bar & Bench.

Previously, Rashid served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly, and his Lok Sabha campaign was managed by his sons, Abrar Rashid and Asrar Rashid.