The Supreme Court on Tuesday 13 January confirmed the interim bail earlier granted to Uttar Pradesh MLA Abbas Ansari, bringing temporary relief to the legislator in a case registered under the state’s stringent Gangsters law. The top court said there was nothing on record to show that Ansari had violated bail conditions during the interim period.
Background of the Case
Abbas Ansari, a member of the Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party and son of late politician Mukhtar Ansari, is facing prosecution under the Uttar Pradesh Gangsters and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act, 1986.
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The case traces back to an FIR lodged on August 31, 2024, at Kotwali Karvi police station in Chitrakoot district. The police accused Ansari and several others of extortion and assault. He was arrested in this case on September 6, 2024, while already being in jail in connection with other criminal matters.
By early 2025, Ansari had secured bail in all other cases, leaving only the Gangsters Act case pending. The Allahabad High Court had earlier rejected his bail plea in December 2024.
Supreme Court Proceedings
A Bench led by Justice Surya Kant, along with Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Vipul M. Pancholi, was hearing the matter on January 13, 2026. Senior advocates appearing for Ansari informed the court that he had strictly complied with all conditions imposed while granting interim bail on March 7, 2025.
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Recording this submission, the Bench observed that there were no reports suggesting misuse of liberty.
“There is nothing before us to indicate that the petitioner has violated any condition of interim bail,” the court noted.
The judges also clarified that the criminal trial was continuing, though it had faced procedural hurdles. At the same time, the court made it clear that it was not expressing any opinion on the merits of the allegations.
Conditions and Clarifications
During earlier hearings, the Supreme Court had gradually relaxed some bail conditions, including restrictions on travel, while insisting that Ansari must cooperate with the trial and ensure that proceedings are not delayed.
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Addressing concerns about public statements, the Bench had earlier clarified that a condition restraining comments on sub-judice matters was not meant to silence him entirely.
“It is not about gagging him, but about protecting the courts from attacks on social media,” Justice Surya Kant had said.
Court’s Decision
Taking note of Ansari’s conduct during the interim period, the Supreme Court of India made the interim bail absolute.
As a result, Abbas Ansari will continue to remain on bail in the Gangsters Act case, subject to the conditions already imposed by the court.
Case Title:- Abbas Ansari v. State Of Uttar Pradesh
