Prayagraj: In a significant turn of events, the Allahabad High Court has granted bail to notorious mafia don Mukhtar Ansari in a case filed under the Gangster Act. While this development brings a momentary reprieve for Ansari, the court has not suspended the 10-year prison sentence imposed on him. The decision was handed down by Justice Rajveer Singh in a single-judge bench on Monday, following the completion of the hearing.

What was the Gangster Act case?

Mukhtar Ansari’s legal battle against a 10-year prison term, coupled with a hefty fine of Rs 5 lakh, reached a crucial juncture when the Allahabad High Court issued its bail order. It’s important to note that while the court provided relief by granting bail, it did not halt the ongoing proceedings regarding the 10-year sentence, which will continue independently. However, the court did stay the monetary fine levied against Ansari.

Legal proceedings and arguments condense to bail

This development came after Ansari’s legal team, led by lawyer Upendra Upadhyay, submitted a detention certificate to the high court. In their plea, they highlighted that Ansari had already spent an extensive 12 years and four months behind bars. Their argument emphasized that Ansari’s time served in prison had exceeded the sentence imposed during the trial.

In response, the court had sought a detailed report from the superintendent of Banda jail, which was subsequently submitted. During the proceedings, the government’s stance opposing the bail application was represented by additional advocate general Manish Goyal. Despite this opposition, the court ultimately decided in favor of granting bail and suspending the fine.

Ongoing legal complexities

While this bail provides a temporary respite for Mukhtar Ansari, he will continue to remain incarcerated in Banda jail due to several other pending cases. It’s worth noting that Ansari’s brother, Afzal Ansari, has previously secured bail in the same case. Afzal Ansari’s imprisonment had resulted in the termination of his Parliament membership by the Ghazipur MP-MLA Court, where he was sentenced to four years of imprisonment.

Mukhtar Ansari’s legal journey continues to be marked by twists and turns. With the Allahabad High Court’s decision to grant bail in the Gangster Act case, the saga surrounding his convictions unfolds, keeping the spotlight on one of India’s most infamous figures in the world of organized crime.