States High court

Big Relief for Afzal Ansari, Allahabad HC Sets Aside Conviction in Gangsters Act Case

The Allahabad High Court has overturned a Ghazipur court’s decision sentencing Samajwadi Party MP Afzal Ansari to four years’ imprisonment under the Gangsters Act in connection with the 2005 murder of BJP MLA Krishnanand Rai.

Justice S K Singh’s ruling in favor of Ansari’s appeal against the conviction allows the SP MP to continue serving as a member of Parliament.

The court also rejected pleas from the UP government and Piyush Kumar Rai, son of Krishnanand Rai, which sought an increased sentence for Ansari in the Gangsters Act case. Following his conviction, Afzal Ansari had been disqualified as an MP and subsequently filed a criminal appeal with the high court.

Under the Representation of the People Act, any MP or state legislator sentenced to imprisonment for two years or more is disqualified from the date of conviction and remains disqualified for an additional six years after serving their sentence. On July 24, 2023, the high court granted bail to Ansari, a five-time MLA and two-time MP, but did not stay his conviction. As a result, although Ansari was released from jail, his parliamentary membership was not restored.

However, the Supreme Court later stayed his conviction, thereby restoring his parliamentary membership and making him eligible to contest the 2024 Lok Sabha election. The Supreme Court also directed the high court to expedite the hearing of his appeal, with the judgment being reserved on July 4 this year.

Afzal Ansari’s brother, Mukhtar Ansari, passed away earlier this year.

Read More: Supreme Court, Delhi High Court, States High Court, International

Nunnem Gangte

Recent Posts

Ex-Sarpanch Murder Case: SC Cancels Bail Of 3 Accused

The Supreme Court on Wednesday overturned the Rajasthan High Court's decision to grant bail to…

1 hour ago

“Complete Elevated Corridor At Kaziranga National Park At The Earliest”: SC

The Supreme Court on Wednesday emphasized the urgent need to complete the proposed 34-kilometer elevated…

1 hour ago

Death Row Convict Balwant Singh Rajoana Granted 3-Hour Parole For Brother’s Bhog Ceremony

Balwant Singh Rajoana, a death row convict in the assassination of former Punjab Chief Minister…

2 hours ago

Money Laundering Case: Delhi HC Grants Bail To Lava MD Hari Om Rai

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday granted bail to Hari Om Rai, the Managing Director…

3 hours ago

Excise Policy Case: Kejriwal Challenges Trial Court’s Cognizance In ED

Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has approached the Delhi High Court, challenging a trial…

3 hours ago

Himachal HC Orders Closure Of 18 Loss-Making Tourism Corporation Hotels

In a significant ruling, the Himachal Pradesh High Court on Wednesday ordered closure of 18…

4 hours ago