The court stays all legal proceedings against the Lok Sabha member following violence at Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal in November last year
NEW DELHI – The Allahabad High Court has provided significant relief to Samajwadi Party MP Zia Ur Rehman Barq by putting a temporary hold on legal proceedings in the Sambhal violence case. The court’s order halts any arrest or other legal action against the MP until the next hearing.
Justice Sameer Jain, hearing the petition filed by MP Barq, stayed the ongoing proceedings in the MP-MLA Court Special Judge in Sambhal. The petition seeks protection for Barq, who has been named a key accused in the violence that erupted during a survey at the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal on 24 November 2024.
The Sambhal incident resulted in the death of five Muslim youths, reportedly in police firing. Police allege that Barq’s allegedly inflammatory speech at the mosque, days before the survey, escalated tensions leading to violence. The FIR also names Suhail Iqbal, son of local MLA Iqbal Mahmood, as a participant.
However, MP Barq has consistently denied all allegations, describing them as politically motivated. “I was not present in Sambhal at the time of the incident; I was in Bengaluru. Once I learned about the FIR, I remained in Delhi to ensure that the situation did not escalate further,” Barq stated in his petition. He also highlighted his efforts to urge the community to maintain peace during this sensitive period.
Barq’s legal counsel emphasised that an arrest would cause irreparable harm to both him and the Samajwadi Party. “These charges are an attempt to target MP Barq and the party politically,” said the lawyer. The court’s interim relief ensures that Barq is protected from immediate action while his plea is considered.
The Sambhal area has been tense due to long-standing disputes over the Shahi Jama Masjid’s location. During the survey, clashes erupted, including stone-pelting and fire incidents, which also damaged police vehicles. MP Barq and community leaders have consistently called for calm and restraint in the aftermath.
The Allahabad High Court’s decision mirrors a recent relief provided to SP legislator Abbas Ansari from Mau, who received a stay on a two-year sentence in a hate speech case, allowing him to continue his legislative role. Observers note that these rulings offer temporary but politically significant relief to Samajwadi Party leaders facing legal challenges.
As of now, MP Barq remains at liberty, with the next hearing expected to determine the continuation or dismissal of legal proceedings. The court’s intervention underscores the judicial scrutiny applied to politically sensitive cases and offers the MP temporary protection while the matter unfolds.
Community members and party supporters have welcomed the court’s decision. “This is a fair intervention by the judiciary. MP Barq has consistently advocated for peace, and it is right that his liberty is protected pending proper hearing,” said a local SP supporter.
The situation in Sambhal remains delicate, and authorities continue to monitor the area to prevent further disturbances. With the high court’s stay in place, the focus now shifts to ensuring community harmony and upholding justice in the ongoing case.
