On Tuesday(14th May), The Allahabad High Court is yet to decide on the appeals filed by Azam Khan, his wife, and son challenging their seven-year prison sentence for alleged forgery related to Abdulla’s birth certificate.
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UTTAR PRADESH: On Tuesday(14th May), The Allahabad High Court reserved its judgment on three interconnected criminal revision petitions filed by senior Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan, his wife Tanzeen Fatima, and their son Abdulla Azam Khan. The petitions challenge the seven-year imprisonment sentence handed down by a sessions court in October 2023 related to an alleged forgery case concerning Abdulla’s birth certificate.
Background
On January 3, 2019, Akash Saxena, now the BJP MLA from Rampur, lodged a police complaint accusing Azam Khan and his wife, Tanzeen Fatima, of obtaining two birth certificates for their son, Abdulla Azam Khan. This alleged forgery led to a matter that culminated in the sessions court’s decision on October 18, 2023. The court sentenced the couple and their son to seven years of imprisonment.
Justice Sanjay Kumar Singh of the Allahabad High Court heard the arguments from the counsel representing the appellants and the state government. After extensive deliberation, Justice Singh reserved the judgment. This decision is eagerly awaited as it will determine the future of the high-profile political family.
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The appellants argue that the conviction and sentence imposed by the sessions court are unwarranted and excessive. Their legal counsel contends that the evidence presented during the trial was insufficient to substantiate the charges of forgery. They hope the high court will overturn the lower court’s ruling and grant them relief from the seven-year imprisonment sentence.
During the court proceedings, the appellants’ counsel emphasized-
“The prosecution has been unable to furnish solid evidence confirming the purported forgery. The acquisition of the contested birth certificates was conducted through lawful channels and with proper documentation.”
In response, the state government’s counsel argued-
“The evidence presented clearly indicates the appellants’ participation in altering birth records. This forgery is a significant violation, and the decision of the sessions court should be upheld to safeguard the integrity of the legal system.”
The case has garnered significant attention from the public and political figures alike. Azam Khan, a prominent leader of the Samajwadi Party, has been a controversial figure in Indian politics. His supporters believe that the case is politically motivated and an attempt to tarnish his reputation.
A statement from a Samajwadi Party spokesperson read-
“We offer our unwavering support to Azam Khan and his family. This case represents a manifestation of political vendetta, and we trust that the high court will administer fair justice.”
Conversely, members of the BJP, including Akash Saxena, maintain that the case highlights the importance of accountability and adherence to the law.
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“The law applies to everyone equally. This case establishes a precedent that even influential political figures are subject to the consequences of their actions.”
-Saxena stated.
