Engineer Rashid’s 12-Day Parliament Attendance To Cost Rs 18 Lakh, Delhi HC Set To Hear Plea Against It Tomorrow
The Delhi High Court will hear a petition challenging the exorbitant Rs. 1.45 lakh daily travel and security costs imposed on jailed MP Engineer Rashid to attend Parliament.
The Delhi High Court is set to hear a critical petition on Friday concerning the high travel and security costs being imposed on jailed Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) President and Member of Parliament Engineer Rashid for attending the ongoing session of Parliament.
Confirming the development, AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi stated that Er Rashid, who represents Baramulla in Jammu and Kashmir, is being asked to pay over Rs.1.45 lakh per day in travel and security expenses. “These charges are not only unaffordable for his family, but also unjustified for someone fulfilling his constitutional duty as an elected MP,” Inam said.
He pointed out that no such charges were applied during Er Rashid’s earlier interim bail, which allowed him to campaign and participate in Parliament sessions. “This sudden imposition appears arbitrary and raises serious concerns about equal access to democratic institutions,” he added.
Due to these prohibitive financial conditions, Er Rashid has been unable to attend the current session, effectively silencing the voice of his constituency at a time of heightened need.
Highlighting the significance of Er Rashid’s participation, Inam said, “Baramulla includes sensitive areas along the Line of Control (LoC) that were deeply impacted during Operation Sindoor. As the elected MP, it is both his constitutional and moral duty to represent those affected, raise their grievances in Parliament, and push for meaningful redressal. His absence has created a serious void in democratic representation.”
Inam also revealed that in March, the family had raised Rs.8.7 lakh through crowdfunding to cover the travel costs for just six days. “Now, the expected bill for 12 days is over Rs.17 lakh. This is neither sustainable nor fair. Er Rashid remains an accused, not a convict, and even undertrial prisoners transported for court or medical needs are not made to bear such expenses.”
The party has approached the Delhi High Court seeking interim relief, aiming to allow Er Rashid to carry out his parliamentary responsibilities without facing financially crippling conditions.
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