The Supreme Court on Friday eased bail restrictions for Uttar Pradesh MLA Abbas Ansari, allowing him to travel outside the state without prior approval from the trial court.
A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi passed the order after hearing Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal and Advocate Nizam Pasha on behalf of Ansari.
Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj represented the State of Uttar Pradesh.
Conditions On Travel & Public Statements
While granting the relaxation, the Court made it clear that Ansari must provide details of his travel itinerary and contact information to the Investigating Officer whenever he leaves Uttar Pradesh.
On the issue of public remarks, the bench reiterated that no statements should be made on pending cases.
Earlier Bail Restrictions
Ansari was granted interim bail in March 2025 in connection with a case under the Gangsters Act, but the relief came with strict conditions. He was ordered to remain at his official residence in Lucknow, with visits to his constituency Mau permitted only after informing the trial court and local police.
In May 2025, the apex court slightly eased these conditions, allowing Ansari to stay at his Ghazipur residence for up to three nights while travelling between Lucknow and Mau.
Plea For Greater Relaxation
In August 2025, following his disqualification from the UP Assembly over a hate speech conviction, Ansari approached the Court again, arguing that he should not have to seek prior court permission for travel within India.
Recently, however, the Allahabad High Court suspended his conviction, restoring his membership in the state assembly. This development further strengthened his plea for relaxed bail conditions.
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