HC grants two-day custody parole to Engineer Rashid for attending Parliament; SC questions Tamil Nadu Governor’s silence on pending State Bills

HC Grants Custody Parole to Engineer Rashid for Parliament Swearing-In; SC Questions TN Governor's Delay on Bills

In a rare judicial decision, the Delhi High Court granted two-day custody parole to imprisoned Kashmiri leader Sheikh Abdul Rashid, better known as Engineer Rashid, allowing him to attend Parliament and take oath as the newly elected MP from Baramulla. The independent candidate, who has been in Tihar Jail since 2019 on UAPA charges, will be under heavy security escort during his temporary release for Tuesday's swearing-in ceremony. While his legal team hailed the move as a victory for democratic principles, security agencies raised concerns about potential unrest given Rashid's controversial political history in Jammu and Kashmir.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court sharply criticized Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi for his prolonged delay in acting on 12 bills passed by the state legislature, some pending for nearly two years. During the hearing, the apex court questioned whether such inaction amounted to a constitutional breakdown, emphasizing that governors cannot indefinitely withhold assent on legislation. The strong remarks came as the Tamil Nadu government petitioned the court, alleging the governor's conduct was deliberately stalling governance in the opposition-ruled state.

Legal experts observe these parallel developments highlight critical tensions in India's democratic framework - balancing security concerns with electoral mandates, and ensuring constitutional offices don't undermine elected governments. The judiciary's interventions in both matters underscore its growing role as arbiter in disputes between institutions. As Rashid prepares to briefly leave prison to fulfill his parliamentary duties and Tamil Nadu awaits resolution of its legislative logjam, these cases present a litmus test for India's institutional checks and balances in polarized political times.