Abbas Ansari Directed to Stay in Lucknow, Permission Required for Constituency Visits
The Supreme Court of India on Friday granted interim bail to Uttar Pradesh MLA Abbas Ansari in connection with a case filed under the state's stringent Gangsters Act. Ansari, who represents Mau constituency as an MLA from the Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party, is the son of late gangster Mukhtar Ansari.A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh issued strict conditions along with the interim bail. Ansari has been directed to reside in his official accommodation in Lucknow and must seek prior permission from authorities whenever he wishes to visit his constituency in Mau.
Strict Conditions Set by Supreme Court for Ansari's Bail
The Supreme Court further mandated that Abbas Ansari cannot leave Uttar Pradesh without obtaining prior approval from the court. Additionally, the MLA is required to inform local police authorities at least one day in advance before attending court hearings.
To ensure compliance, the top court has ordered Uttar Pradesh Police to submit a detailed status report within six weeks, outlining Ansari's adherence to these bail conditions.
Previous Arrests and Court Decisions
Abbas Ansari was initially arrested on November 4, 2022, in connection with another criminal case. However, he was later taken into custody under the UP Gangsters and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act on September 6, 2024.
The Supreme Court noted during the hearing that Ansari had already been granted bail in all other criminal matters against him, excluding the current case under the Gangsters Act. Previously, the Allahabad High Court had rejected Ansari's bail application in this matter on December 18, 2024.
Details of the Case Against Ansari and Co-accused
The FIR against Ansari and his associates was filed on August 31, 2024, at Kotwali Karvi Police Station in Chitrakoot district. The complaint under Sections 2 and 3 of the UP Gangsters and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act, 1986, included allegations of extortion and assault.
Apart from Ansari, the FIR names four additional accused: Navneet Sachan, Niyaz Ansari, Faraz Khan, and Shahbaz Alam Khan.
