Action follows an altercation involving Liaquat Ali’s son and some locals sparked a backlash; the lawyer’s membership was revoked indefinitely
Team Clarion
GHAZIPUR — The Civil Bar Association of Ghazipur has expelled Liaquat Ali, a prominent lawyer and longtime legal representative of the late politician Mukhtar Ansari. The move follows a violent altercation involving Ali’s son and local residents, which later escalated into a wider confrontation. The District President of the Civil Bar Association, Advocate Gopal Lalji Srivastava, confirmed that Liaquat Ali’s membership was terminated for life, stating that this decision was reached after a thorough review of the events and Ali’s conduct.
The incident, which occurred on October 6, began with a dispute outside Ali’s residence in Shivpuri Colony, within the jurisdiction of Sadar Kotwali. According to reports, an argument broke out between Ali’s son and a youth from the same neighbourhood over the removal of a car. The dispute quickly escalated, leading to fisticuffs. Ali’s son allegedly beat the youth, prompting a further confrontation involving other locals, including lawyer Satyendra Yadav, who joined the scuffle.
As tensions mounted, video footage of the altercation, reportedly provided by Liaquat Ali himself, began circulating in the media, sparking outrage. In response, the Civil Bar Association convened a special meeting to address the issue. “Given the gravity of the situation, and considering repeated allegations against Liaquat Ali, we had no choice but to take strict action,” said Advocate Gopal Lal, explaining the Bar’s decision to expel Ali.
The altercation on October 6 was not the first incident involving Liaquat Ali that raised concerns among the legal fraternity in Ghazipur. “There have been multiple complaints against him over the years, including allegations of assaulting fellow lawyers,” Lal added. This history of misconduct played a significant role in the Bar Association’s decision.
Proposal Rejected
Liaquat Ali and his supporters proposed a formal resolution to the Civil Bar Association, arguing that the altercation was a private matter and that the bar’s involvement was unwarranted. However, the proposal was rejected. “The committee reviewed all the evidence and concluded that Mr Ali’s actions were incompatible with the standards expected of members of our association,” Lal explained.
The fallout from the dispute did not end with Ali’s expulsion from the Bar Association. A formal complaint was lodged by Ali against lawyer Satyendra Yadav and others involved in the scuffle, which led to the registration of a police case. According to local police, charges have been filed under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including sections 191(2), 191(3), 115(2), 352, 351, 333, and 109(1). The investigation is ongoing.
Ali, in his defence, has maintained that he and his family were unfairly targeted. “If there has been any wrongdoing on my part, the President of the Civil Bar Association should take full responsibility,” he remarked, expressing his frustration over the bar’s decision. On October 8, he submitted a letter to the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police in Ghazipur, outlining his grievances and requesting a review of the case against him.
Liaquat Ali is well-known in Ghazipur, particularly for his close association with the controversial politician Mukhtar Ansari. He represented Ansari in several high-profile cases, including the infamous Isri Chitti case of July 2001, which remains one of the most significant criminal trials in the region. Ali’s involvement with Ansari, who was elected MLA from the Mau constituency five times, has often drawn scrutiny, especially given Ansari’s background and eventual expulsion from the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) due to his involvement in unlawful activities.
Mukhtar Ansari, who died in March 2024 due to a heart attack while in custody at Banda Jail, was a central figure in eastern Uttar Pradesh’s political landscape. Following his death, Ali continued to represent Ansari’s family in ongoing legal matters, but his expulsion from the Bar Association now raises questions about his future role in these cases.
Violent Attack
Adding to the complexity of the situation, just two days before his expulsion, Liaquat Ali himself was the target of a violent attack. According to Ali, on October 8, a group of 8-10 individuals arrived at his home in Shivpuri Colony and assaulted him after a brief argument earlier that day with a neighbour. The entire incident was captured on CCTV footage, which Ali later submitted as evidence to the police.
“The attackers were armed, and one of them even fired a shot, which narrowly missed me,” Ali said. He claims that the bullet grazed his finger before lodging itself in the wall of his home. “I am lucky to be alive,” he remarked, alleging that the attack was part of a wider conspiracy against him due to his long-standing relationship with Mukhtar Ansari.
Ali filed a formal complaint with the Kotwali police station, leading to the registration of an FIR against two named individuals and ten others. The police have since launched an investigation into the attack. “We are taking this case seriously and will ensure that those responsible are brought to justice,” a police spokesperson said.
Controversial Legacy
As the investigation into both the altercation and the attack unfolds, Liaquat Ali’s expulsion from the Civil Bar Association marks a significant moment in the legal and political circles of Ghazipur. Known for his fierce defence of Mukhtar Ansari, Ali’s fall from grace is seen by many as part of the wider unravelling of the Ansari family’s political and legal influence in the region.
While Ali continues to insist that he has been wronged, the Bar Association remains firm in its decision. “Our responsibility is to uphold the integrity of the legal profession. Liaquat Ali’s actions have repeatedly violated this, and we cannot allow such behaviour to go unchecked,” concluded Advocate Gopal Lal.
With multiple legal cases now pending against both Liaquat Ali and those who attacked him, the coming months will determine how this complex web of legal battles plays out.
