A special MP/MLA court in Rampur on Friday sentenced senior Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Azam Khan to two years of imprisonment for making objectionable remarks during the 2019 Lok Sabha election campaign in Uttar Pradesh. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 on the former minister.
Background of the Case
According to additional district government counsel (ADGC) Sandeep Saxena, the case originated from an FIR filed in 2019 by Ghanshyam Tripathi, who was then the assistant returning officer (ARO). The complaint concerned controversial statements made by Khan against the then-district magistrate and polling officials. The matter was subsequently heard in the MP/MLA special magistrate court of Judge Shobhit Bansal.
Nature of the Remarks
During a public election rally, Khan, who was contesting as the SP-BSP alliance candidate, allegedly referred to the district magistrate as a "tankhaiya" (salaried employee) and instructed supporters not to fear him. Prosecutors further stated that Khan claimed that after winning the election, "the officer would be made to polish his shoes."
Prosecution's Evidence
State counsel Swadesh Sharma informed the court that the prosecution presented eight government officials as witnesses, including retired SDM Ghanshyam Tripathi, police personnel, and the investigating officer. Sharma also noted that Khan had previously faced campaign bans of 48 hours and 72 hours for violating election norms. Although he later submitted a written apology, the prosecution argued that he "repeated a similar conduct," leading to the current criminal proceedings.
Khan's Legal History
More than 100 cases have been registered against the former Uttar Pradesh minister, with dozens still pending in various courts. He has faced convictions in multiple matters while also obtaining relief in some cases. This latest conviction adds to his legal troubles.
