New Delhi, Mar 7 (UNI) The Supreme Court on Friday granted interim bail to Uttar Pradesh MLA Abbas Ansari in a case registered under the Uttar Pradesh Gangsters and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act, 1986.
The Court imposed stringent conditions on his movement and public statements.
A Bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice N Kotiswar Singh noted that while Ansari is facing multiple cases, he has secured bail in all except the present one.
Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Ansari, argued that the allegations in this case mirrored those of an earlier FIR, which had been quashed for lack of application of mind. He contended that the police had already gathered all necessary evidence, questioning the need for further incarceration. "I have been in jail for seven months due to one case or another. The allegations in the previous FIR were identical and were quashed. The same accusations are being used to keep me inside," Sibal argued.
Opposing the bail plea, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) K.M. Nataraj, appearing for the Uttar Pradesh government, cited Ansari’s criminal history and influence, asserting that he threatened witnesses. "He is an influential person who can threaten witnesses. We need to examine key witnesses before granting bail," the ASG submitted.
However, the Bench observed that the pending witnesses were police officials rather than private individuals and questioned the prosecution on the prolonged detention.
The Court granted interim bail subject to the following conditions that Ansari must remain at his official accommodation in Lucknow. He can visit his constituency only with prior permission from the district police administration and district court.
The Apex Court said that Ansari cannot leave Uttar Pradesh without the special trial court’s approval. He must refrain from making public statements on sub judice matters. He must furnish a bail bond to the satisfaction of the Sessions Court, Chitrakoot. He must appear before the trial court in this or any other case and notify authorities one day in advance.
The Court directed the police to submit a status report on Ansari’s conduct within six weeks for further review.
On February 21, the Supreme Court instructed the Investigating Officer (IO) to conclude the probe and submit a status report within ten days.
In a related matter, the Court had earlier expressed concern over the Allahabad High Court’s delay in addressing a petition filed by Ansari regarding non-compliance with a directive to expedite his case.
The Allahabad High Court had previously rejected his bail application on May 9, 2024, citing a lack of credibility in his financial disclosures, particularly given his status as a sitting MLA.
In April 2024, the Supreme Court permitted Ansari, who was then in judicial custody, to attend ‘Fatiha’ (special prayers) following the demise of his father, Mukhtar Ansari, a gangster-turned-politician.
Mukhtar Ansari passed away due to cardiac arrest in Banda, Uttar Pradesh, on March 28 last year.
UNI SNG CS