J&K Court Dismisses MCC Violation Case Against PDP MLA Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra

Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir — A court in Awantipora has dismissed a criminal case against Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra, a legislator from the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who was accused of violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) during the 2024 assembly elections.

Parra, who represents the Pulwama Assembly constituency, was booked under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code for allegedly conducting a political roadshow on April 27, 2024, without obtaining prior permission from the authorities. The event took place amid the enforcement of the MCC, which restricts such activities during election periods.

However, the Awantipora court, in its July 5, 2025 ruling, held that the MCC does not possess statutory authority and cannot be treated as a legal order under Section 188. The court further noted that no formal written complaint had been submitted by a competent public servant, as required under Section 195(1)(a) of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Citing these procedural lapses, the court ordered the closure of the case. It also directed that the chargesheet be dismissed, bail and personal bonds be cancelled, and all documents seized during the investigation be returned.

Parra, who took office as an MLA in October 2024, has previously served as the youth president of the PDP and as secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir State Sports Council. A graduate in international relations and peace studies, he has been a visible figure in Kashmir’s political landscape, particularly among youth.

This is not the first time Parra has faced legal proceedings. According to public disclosures, he is also under investigation in two other cases involving serious charges, including those under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Arms Act, filed in 2020. He has denied all allegations.

Earlier this year, Parra was briefly marshalled out of the legislative assembly during a protest over a resolution involving the Waqf (Amendment) Act. Despite legal and political controversies, he continues to play an active role in regional politics.