Allahabad HC's Justice Gupta recuses from ex-MLA Ansari's plea to quash case by UP Police

In a key development in Allahab High Court, on Wednesday Justice Rajiv Gupta recused himself from hearing a petition filed by former MLA from Uttar Presh Mukhtar Ansari seeking directions to quash a chargesheet filed against him by UP Police. Ansari is currently serving his jail term.

chargesheet relates to a case of misappropriation of assets in MLA Funds between years 2012 and 2013. Ansari is presently lodged in Banda jail.

" case stands released. Put up before anor Bench after seeking nomination from Hon'ble Chief Justice/Senior Judge, if possible on 02.05.2022 as fresh, showing name of Sri Ratnendu Kumar Singh as counsel for State," bench noted as hearing of case commenced.

Ansari was an MLA from  Mau Sar constituency from year 1996 to March 2022, and couldn't contest preceding Uttar Presh Assembly elections. One of se cases was filed under Gangsters' and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act and is pending in Azamgarh, and anor case related to alleged misuse of Vidhayak Nidhi (MLA's funds) is pending.

Facts of case against former MLA Mukhtar Ansari

In a 2021 FIR registered against Ansari, he has been alleged to have allocated a sum of Rs 25 lakhs from official MLA Funds to a school from 2012-2014, however, a probe revealed that capital was not utilised for purposes of said school. Also, it was brought to fore that or accused in case did not utilise MLA Funds for construction of said school.

Ansari, in current plea, has appealed to High Court against chargesheet, stating that his only role in case is that he proposed to utilise fund for  school in concern.

Furr, plea contends that Ansari was neir entrusted with school property nor did he release funds fraudulently. In fact, according to  plea, he submitted that District ministration released sum only after a legitimate enquiry and that he has been tainted with se allegations in two cases owing to his political stature.

Justice Gupta of Allahab HC passed orders in two petitions presented before him. On April 18, he released case relating to alleged misuse of MLA Funds and in second order passed on April 20, he released Ansari's case under  Gangsters' and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act.