The Supreme Court of India has granted interim bail to Uttar Pradesh MLA Abbas Ansari in a case registered under the state’s Gangsters Act. A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh issued the order, imposing specific conditions to ensure compliance.
Abbas Ansari, son of the late politician Mukhtar Ansari, has been under legal scrutiny for various allegations, including money laundering and violations of the Gangsters Act. He was taken into custody on November 4, 2022, in connection with another criminal case and subsequently arrested under the Gangsters Act on September 6, 2024.
The Supreme Court’s interim bail order includes strict conditions. Ansari is required to stay at his official residence in Lucknow and must seek prior permission before traveling to his constituency in Mau or leaving Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, he must inform the police authorities at least a day before attending any court proceedings. The court has also mandated a status report from the police regarding his adherence to these conditions within six weeks.
Before approaching the Supreme Court, Ansari’s bail application was denied by the Allahabad High Court. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had previously filed a case against him under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, based on three prior cases. The interim bail provides temporary relief but underscores the gravity of the charges against him. The imposed conditions aim to prevent any potential interference with ongoing legal proceedings, and compliance with these directives will be crucial in determining future judicial actions.
