The Supreme Court also directed the police to submit a status report on Ansari’s conduct within six weeks, after which the case will be reviewed.
NEW DELHI: Today, 7th March, The Supreme Court of India has granted interim bail to Uttar Pradesh MLA Abbas Ansari in a case filed under the Uttar Pradesh Gangsters and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act, 1986. The Court, while allowing the bail, imposed strict conditions on his movements and public statements.
The Bench, comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice N Kotiswar Singh, observed that although Ansari is facing multiple cases, he has already secured bail in all except this one.
Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Abbas Ansari, argued that the allegations in this case were the same as those in an earlier FIR, which was quashed due to “non-application of mind.” He pointed out that the police had already gathered all necessary evidence. Sibal stated in court:
“I have been inside jail due to one reason or another…earlier FIR said the same thing; it was quashed for non-application of mind. Exactly the same allegations…All the cases, they have filed. I have got bail. This is the last one… What does the status report say? They have collected all the evidence; I am inside for this case in 7 months… I am operating a gang in my jail in Kasgang, 450 km away… This is unfair to deal with people like this.”
However, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) K.M. Nataraj, appearing for the Uttar Pradesh government, opposed the bail plea, citing Ansari’s criminal background and influence. He argued that Ansari could intimidate witnesses. The ASG submitted:
“Please see his conduct and in how many cases he is accused. I am not disagreeing that he has not got bail; but see his conduct inside and outside the jail. He is such an influential person; he can threaten any person. We want to examine one or two key witnesses. Also, what has been quashed earlier was on technical ground… He is a threat to society; at least let us examine one or two witnesses.”
However, the Court noted that the remaining witnesses were police officers, not private individuals, and questioned the prosecution on how long they intended to keep Ansari in custody.
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Bail Conditions Imposed by the Supreme Court
After hearing the arguments, the Court granted interim bail with the following conditions:
- Abbas Ansari must reside at his official accommodation in Lucknow.
- He can visit his constituency only after obtaining prior permission from the district police administration and district court.
- He cannot leave Uttar Pradesh without prior approval from the special trial court.
- He must refrain from making any public statements on matters that are sub judice (under judicial consideration).
- He must submit a bail bond to the satisfaction of the Sessions Court, Chitrakoot.
- He must appear before the trial court in this or any other case and inform the authorities at least one day in advance.
The Supreme Court also directed the police to submit a status report on Ansari’s conduct within six weeks, after which the case will be reviewed.
Background
Earlier, on February 21, the Supreme Court had directed the Investigating Officer (IO) to complete the ongoing investigation and submit a status report within 10 days.
In a related matter, the Supreme Court had earlier criticized the Allahabad High Court for delaying a petition filed by Abbas Ansari regarding non-compliance with its order to prioritize his case. The case pertained to a disputed property where construction was continuing despite Ansari seeking interim relief.
Additionally, on May 9, 2024, the Allahabad High Court had denied bail to Ansari, stating that his explanation regarding certain funds did not “reflect credibility, especially from the applicant who is a sitting MLA and an elected representative of the people.”
The Court had also considered his family background, referring to Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) statements indicating initial non-cooperation and evasion of summons until his arrest following a lookout notice. During custody, Ansari had stated that he was unaware of the source of the alleged funds and had simply relied on his family to arrange money whenever required.
Previously, in April 2024, the Supreme Court had permitted Abbas Ansari, who was then in jail, to attend ‘fatiha’ (special prayers) following the death of his father, Mukhtar Ansari, a gangster-turned-politician. Mukhtar Ansari had passed away due to cardiac arrest at a hospital in Banda, Uttar Pradesh, on March 28. Abbas Ansari had approached the Supreme Court seeking permission to attend the prayers scheduled for April 10.
Case Title: Abbas Ansari v. State of Uttar Pradesh [SLP(Crl) No. 1091/2025; Diary No. 1426/2025]
