The Supreme Court on Thursday suspended the conviction of Bahujan Samaj Party leader Afzal Ansari, who was arrested under the Gangster Act in a 2007 case.
The Bench of Justice Surya Kant, Justice Dipankar Dutta and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan directed the Allahabad High Court to decide on his petition against conviction by June 30.
The Apex Court delivered a split verdict in the case.
While Justice Kant and Justice Bhuyan decided to stay Ansari’s conviction, Justice Datta ruled against it.
In its majority view, the Apex Court made it clear that Ansari can contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections of 2024, however, the outcome of this election would depend on the decision of the High Court on his appeal.
The Apex Court further imposed various conditions on the BSP MP, directing him neither to vote or draw any remuneration, however, he was allowed to attend the House proceedings.
The Uttar Pradesh government opposed Ansari’s plea during the hearing.