Allahabad HC Directs Full Security For Ex-MLA Mukhtar Ansari, Bars Media From Interviewing Him

The Allahabad High Court has ordered to provide full security to Ex-MLA Mukhtar Ansari while shifting him from one jail to another and while producing him before any Court from jail. The Court has also barred Media persons from interviewing him.

“Full security shall be given to the husband of the petitioner while shifting him from one jail to another and while producing him before any Court from jail and on the way or any other place. Media person would not be permitted to interview him. He would be accompanied by the police personnel during his ingress and egress from jail.”, Justice Dr. Kaushal Jayendra Thaker and Justice Shiv Shanker Prasad directed.

The Court said that the order was passed in light of a recent episode which occurred in the State of Uttar Pradesh, wherein in the garb of media persons some criminals had killed Atiq Ahmad and his brother while in Police custody.

“Though we are not against media taking interview of the accused persons but looking to the recent episode this restriction would be in the interest of the under trial prisoner for their safety and security.”, the Court remarked.

The Court was dealing with the plea filed by the wife of Mukhtar Ansari who prayed for adequate safeguards and protection to Mukhtar Ansari while he is lodged in jail and while he is produced before the Special Judge (MP/MLA Court), Allahabad or any other Court in Uttar Pradesh.

Advocate Upendra Upadhyay appeared for the petitioner.

The State informed the Court that the jail authorities and the Police are taking every precaution for security of the husband of the petitioner while keeping him in jail or bringing him outside the jail to produce him before the Trial Court. It was further stated that on the report of the Superintendent of Police, Ghazipur, Additional Superintendent of Police, Ghazipur has been appointed as Nodal Officer for providing full proof security while producing the husband of the petitioner in Court and in way whenever he is produced in District Ghazipur.

“We accept the averments made in the counter affidavit on behalf of the State and we also request the Director General of Police, U.P., respondent no. 3 to ensure the safety of the husband of the petitioner as he is apprehending threat to his life in the jail, where he is incarcerated”, the Court directed.

Cause Title- Afshan Ansari v. State Of U.P. And 4 Others

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