Supreme Court Grants Regular Bail to UP Legislator Abbas Ansari

Supreme Court Decision on Abbas Ansari

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court provided regular bail to Abbas Ansari, a legislator from Uttar Pradesh, in a case filed under the Uttar Pradesh Gangsters and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act. The court had previously granted him interim bail in March of last year. Subsequently, in September, the court relaxed some conditions of his release, allowing Ansari to reside at a different address from his home in Lucknow, provided he informs the UP police and the lower court of his new address.

Court Clarifications on Public Statements

The court also clarified that there are no restrictions on Ansari speaking publicly. It stated that as a public figure, he is free to discuss social and economic issues, similar to other politicians. However, the court emphasized that this condition is limited to preventing him from making public statements regarding any ongoing cases related to him. The bench, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud, made Ansari's interim bail permanent.

Background of the Case

Ansari faces charges of assault and extortion under the Uttar Pradesh Gangster Act, with the case registered in August 2024. His bail plea was rejected by the Allahabad High Court in December 2024. He was taken into custody on November 4, 2022, for other criminal cases and was arrested under the Gangster Act on September 6, 2024.

Other Accused in the Case

When granting relief in March of last year, the bench noted that Ansari had already secured bail in all other criminal matters, excluding the Gangster Act case. The Allahabad High Court had dismissed his bail plea in this matter on December 18, 2024. Other accused in this case include Navneet Sachan, Niyaz Ansari, Faraz Khan, and Shahbaz Alam Khan.