The Delhi High Court on Thursday issued notice to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on a bail plea filed by Jammu and Kashmir MP Engineer Abdul Rashid Sheikh in a terror-funding case registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

A division bench of Justice Subramonium Prasad and Justice Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar was hearing Rashid’s appeal challenging a trial court’s order dated March 21, which had denied him bail. The bench remarked, “This matter has to be heard,” and listed the plea for further hearing on July 29.

In addition to the bail plea, Rashid has also filed a separate petition contesting the trial court’s order framing charges against him.

During the hearing, the NIA’s counsel objected to the maintainability of the appeal, pointing out a delay of 1104 days in its filing. It was argued that, under the relevant statutory provisions, such delay—beyond 90 days—cannot be condoned.

However, Rashid’s counsel contended that the 90-day limit is not an absolute bar and that courts may condone the delay, particularly in cases involving the liberty of an individual. He assured the court that the delay would be adequately explained.

Taking note of the submissions, the bench directed the NIA to file a reply specifically addressing the issue of delay. The matter will now be heard on July 29.

Rashid, who was elected to the Lok Sabha from Baramulla in 2024, has been lodged in Tihar Jail since 2019 after his arrest by the NIA in connection with the 2017 terror-funding case.