Azam Khan: Out of Jail, But Not Out of the Legal Woods—81 Cases Still Loom, Crucial Verdicts Imminent

Samajwadi Party strongman Azam Khan may have stepped out of the confines of prison, but his legal battles are far from over. A staggering 81 cases continue to hang over the veteran politician, with three critical verdicts expected in the coming days that could once again dramatically alter his political landscape.

Mohsin Khan, the Special Prosecutor handling Azam Khan's cases, confirmed the daunting figures.

Out of an initial 83 cases filed against Khan, two have concluded: one conviction in a hate speech case that led to his disqualification as an MLA, and one acquittal in a sensational case involving the alleged theft of buffaloes and goats. This leaves an overwhelming 81 cases still pending, covering a wide spectrum of alleged offenses from land encroachment and theft to criminal intimidation and hate speech.

Among the most eagerly anticipated judgments are two separate hate speech cases stemming from the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

In the first, Khan is accused of making incendiary remarks against Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and the then-Rampur District Magistrate. This FIR was lodged at the Milak police station, highlighting the volatile nature of political discourse during election campaigns.

The second hate speech case, filed at the Shahzad Nagar police station, involves allegations of derogatory comments made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the former Rampur DM, and the then-BJP candidate Jaya Prada.

These cases underscore the intense scrutiny on political rhetoric, especially from high-profile figures.

A third crucial verdict is also on the horizon, relating to an incident where Azam Khan allegedly obstructed official duties during a police search operation for missing buffaloes. This particular case, often referred to colloquially as the 'buffalo case,' has garnered significant attention for its unusual nature and highlights the breadth of legal challenges Khan faces.

Azam Khan's journey through the judicial system has been tumultuous.

A ten-time MLA, former MP, and once a powerful minister, his legal troubles led to a prolonged incarceration and the loss of his MLA status. Many of the charges against him, particularly those related to alleged land grabbing and misuse of power, are intricately linked to his role in establishing the prestigious Mohammad Ali Jauhar University in Rampur.

These myriad cases have been registered under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, and even the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

The sheer volume and diversity of the charges paint a picture of a leader deeply entrenched in persistent legal quagmires, with each upcoming verdict holding the potential to reshape his personal freedom and political future.