The Allahabad High Court has stayed the passing of the final order in the 2016 forcible eviction case involving former Uttar Pradesh Minister and Member of Parliament Mohammad Azam Khan and others. The court has deferred the decision until July 3, allowing the trial to proceed without concluding remarks.
“The trial may continue, but no final order shall be passed till July 3,”
clarified a bench led by Justice Dinesh Pathak. The bench was responding to a plea by Khan's co-accused, who expressed concern that the trial court was determined to wrap up proceedings by June.
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The plea was presented by Senior Advocate SFA Naqvi, who highlighted procedural concerns regarding the court’s urgency. The case stems from an alleged October 15, 2016 incident, where unauthorized constructions on Waqf property Yateem Khana (Waqf No. 157) in Rampur were reportedly demolished.
Over 12 FIRs registered between 2019 and 2020 were merged into a consolidated trial by the Special Judge (MP/MLA), Rampur, in August last year. The charges include dacoity, house trespass, and criminal conspiracy under the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
“Given the gravity of charges and multiple FIRs, the matter was consolidated under Special Case No. 45 of 2020,” noted the court proceedings.
In a related move, a separate bench led by Justice Samit Gopal directed that a new plea by Azam Khan and his associate Virendra Goel be clubbed with the existing petition of the co-accused. The duo sought an interim stay on the entire trial, citing procedural and constitutional violations.
Represented by Senior Advocate NI Jafri and Advocates Shashwat Anand and Shashank Tiwari, Khan and Goel’s plea challenges the trial court’s May 30, 2025 order, which denied their request to recall key informants and witnesses.
One of the significant aspects of their plea includes the demand to present videographic evidence allegedly proving their absence from the scene. This footage, reportedly acknowledged by Zafar Ahmad Farooqui, the Chairman of the Sunni Central Waqf Board, is said to be critical in dismantling the prosecution’s narrative.
“The videographic evidence can clearly prove our absence from the scene. Denying its inclusion violates our fundamental rights,” argued the petitioners.
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They also allege that the entire trial is malicious, claiming it infringes upon their rights guaranteed under Articles 14, 19, 20, and 21 of the Constitution. Their application seeks not just a stay, but quashing of the trial itself.
As of now, the High Court has opted not to issue any new interim relief and has instead listed the matter for a comprehensive hearing on July 3, tagging it along with the co-accused’s original petition.
The outcome of the July 3 hearing is expected to play a pivotal role in determining the future of this high-profile case.
