SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court has permitted People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader and MLA Pulwama, Waheed-ur-Rehman Para, to travel within India, modifying the earlier bail condition that restricted him to Jammu and Kashmir. The decision was made by a bench comprising Justices Vinod Chatterji Koul and Sanjeev Kumar on December 2, 2025, allowing Para to leave the Union Territory after informing the trial court of his location and purpose of travel.
This follows Para’s bail grant in May 2022 in a terror conspiracy case, subject to certain restrictions, including surrendering his passport and not leaving Jammu and Kashmir without court permission.
Para, responding to the order, said the decision comes after “five years of a painful legal battle,” during which he was unable to be with his family even in moments of grief and loss. He said the experience had reshaped his understanding of freedom and made him more aware of the suffering of others facing similar restraints. Para added that the judiciary had been a source of hope throughout “difficult, dark years,” and expressed gratitude to the High Court for restoring “a small but meaningful part” of his liberty, while also appreciating advocate Shariq Reyaz for pursuing the case.
After 5 years of a painful legal battle, the Hon’ble J&K High Court has allowed me to travel outside Jammu & Kashmir.
In moments when my own family needed me, in grief, loss, all I could do was wait & feel the helplessness, which leaves a mark that never truly fades. You begin…
— Waheed Para (@parawahid) December 2, 2025
Para, who the National Investigation Agency arrested in November 2020 for alleged terror-related charges, was previously confined by conditions that the prosecution and the State Investigation Agency (SIA) argued were necessary due to the seriousness of the case. Despite opposition from SIA to relax travel restrictions, citing risks to trial supervision, the High Court found it just and reasonable to ease travel restrictions due to Para’s official duties as an MLA that often require him to travel outside Jammu and Kashmir.
The High Court’s order stated that Waheed Para must inform the trial court of his location and the purpose of his visit while travelling. This modification is intended to balance the judicial oversight of the ongoing trial with practical necessities tied to Para’s role as a legislator.
The PDP has consistently maintained that Para’s arrest and charges are politically motivated and contests the allegations against him as unsubstantiated.
Waheed Para was released on bail after spending considerable time in judicial custody and has complied with the conditions imposed since his release. The court had earlier remarked that the prosecution’s evidence was too “sketchy” to warrant denial of bail during the previous hearing in 2022. The new travel permission marks a significant step in easing restrictions on Para while ensuring ongoing judicial process oversight.
