The Supreme Court provides relief to senior Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan and his son Abdullah Azam Khan in a high-profile theft case, overturning the Allahabad High Court’s earlier denial of bail
Team ClarionÂ
NEW DELHI – In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court of India on Thursday granted bail to senior Samajwadi Party leader and former Uttar Pradesh minister Azam Khan and his son Abdullah Azam Khan in a case involving the alleged theft of a road cleaning machine. The decision comes after the Allahabad High Court had earlier rejected their bail plea, prompting the duo to approach the apex court.
The case, which dates back to 2022, involves allegations that Azam Khan, his son, and others stole a road cleaning machine purchased by the Nagar Palika Parishad of Rampur district. The machine was later recovered from the premises of Jauhar University in Rampur, an institution founded by Azam Khan.
On September 21, 2023, a single bench of Justice Sumit Gopal of the Allahabad High Court had rejected the bail pleas of both Azam Khan and his son, citing the seriousness of the charges. The rejection was seen as a major setback for the father-son duo, who have been embroiled in multiple legal battles in recent years.
Challenging the High Court’s decision, Azam Khan and his son approached the Supreme Court, arguing that the case was politically motivated and part of a broader campaign against them. The apex court’s decision to grant bail has been welcomed by their supporters, who claim it is a step toward justice.
“This is a victory for truth and justice,” said a close aide of Azam Khan. “The allegations against him are baseless and politically driven. We are confident that he will be proven innocent in the court of law.”
However, critics argue that the law should take its course without interference. “The judiciary must remain impartial, and all individuals, regardless of their political stature, should be held accountable if found guilty,” said a political analyst.
The Supreme Court’s ruling is expected to provide temporary relief to Azam Khan and his son as they continue to fight the legal battle. The decision has also reignited debates about the intersection of politics and the judiciary in India.
With bail granted, the focus now shifts to the upcoming court proceedings, where the father-son duo will seek to clear their names. The case remains a closely watched legal and political saga, with implications for both the individuals involved and the broader political landscape of Uttar Pradesh.
As the legal process unfolds, Azam Khan’s supporters remain hopeful. “We believe in the judiciary and are confident that justice will prevail,” said a local Samajwadi Party worker.
The Supreme Court’s decision marks a crucial turn in the case, but the final outcome remains to be seen as the trial continues.
