Mumbai: The Bombay High Court rejected a petition filed by Fahim Ansari, a Muslim man acquitted in the 2008 Mumbai terror attack case, who sought a Police Clearance Certificate to work as an autorickshaw driver.
A division bench of Justice Ajay Gadkari and Justice Ranjitsinha Bhonsale held that the refusal by Maharashtra Police stood justified in view of security concerns placed on record. The court dismissed the plea and declined to direct authorities to issue the certificate.
Ansari moved the court in February 2025. He argued that denial of the certificate blocked his access to a Police Service Vehicle badge, which is required for commercial autorickshaw driving. He said this affected his right to livelihood.
The State opposed the plea. It said Ansari remained free to seek jobs that do not require a Police Clearance Certificate.
Ansari was acquitted by a special court in May 2010 after allegations related to preparing maps for attackers were not proven. In a separate case in Lucknow, he was convicted and served a 10 year sentence. After release in November 2019, he worked in printing presses and later as a delivery worker during the pandemic.
He obtained an autorickshaw licence in January 2024 and applied for the certificate. After no response, he filed an RTI application. Authorities informed him in August 2024 that they denied the certificate citing alleged links with a banned outfit.
Ansari challenged the decision, citing Articles 19 and 21, and argued for his right to reintegrate and earn lawfully.
