Supreme Court Brands Mukhtar Ansari 'Dreaded Criminal' Amidst Legal Battle

The Supreme Court, on Tuesday, characterized Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MLA Mukhtar Ansari as a "dreaded criminal" with numerous pending criminal cases against him. The observation came during a hearing on Ansari's plea challenging his conviction under the Uttar Pradesh Gangsters and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act. A bench of Justices Bela M Trivedi and Pankaj Mithal allowed Ansari to file a rejoinder affidavit and scheduled the next hearing for April 2.

Ansari's appeal contested the September 2022 verdict of the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court, which sentenced him to five years in prison and imposed a ₹50,000 fine. The case originated from a 1999 FIR that accused Ansari of leading a gang involved in heinous offenses, including murder, extortion, kidnapping, and abduction, creating an atmosphere of fear in Lucknow and neighboring areas.

Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh of the Allahabad High Court had overturned a 2020 order by the Special Judge, MP/MLA cases, which had acquitted Ansari of Gangsters Act charges. Ansari appealed to the Supreme Court, and the state government responded, asserting that Ansari had instilled a 'reign of terror' before his conviction.

During the recent hearing, Justice Trivedi remarked, "He is a dreaded criminal; so many cases," indicating the Court's perception of Ansari's criminal record. The bench granted Ansari the opportunity to submit a rejoinder affidavit and deferred the case until April 2.

The characterization of Ansari as a "dreaded criminal" by the Supreme Court adds a significant dimension to his legal battles, emphasizing the gravity of the charges against him and the complexity of the legal proceedings.

Author: Anushka Taraniya

News Writer, MIT ADT University