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On Friday, the Supreme Court granted interim bail to Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party leader and MLA Abbas Ansari in a case under the Uttar Pradesh Gangsters and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act, 1986, while imposing several conditions on his release.
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh ruled that Ansari must reside at his official accommodation in Lucknow.
He must obtain prior permission from both the District Administration and the Chitrakoot Sessions Court before visiting his constituency.
The Court further restricted him from leaving Uttar Pradesh without approval from the trial court.
Additionally, he has barred from making public statements regarding ongoing cases, though his right to defend himself remains unaffected.
Ansari must also appear before the trial court whenever required.
The Supreme Court scheduled the next hearing after six weeks and directed the UP Police to file a status report on its handling of the case.
Court Arguments
Representing Ansari, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal argued that his client had been incarcerated for various reasons and had already secured bail in other cases.
However, Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj opposed the bail plea, contending that Ansari could influence witnesses and tamper with evidence if released.
Noting these concerns, the Court set strict conditions for interim bail and announced that it would monitor his conduct during this period.
Last month, the Supreme Court had instructed the UP Police to expedite the investigation and submit a status report on the probe against Ansari.
Ansari, an MLA from Mau, booked in August last year under the UP Gangsters Act for allegedly leading a gang involved in extortion and unlawful financial activities.
In December, the Allahabad High Court denied him bail, citing multiple cases against him and the potential risk of evidence tampering.
He subsequently moved the Supreme Court to challenge this decision.
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