On Wednesday, the Allahabad High Court rejected the bail plea of Uttar Pradesh Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Abbas Ansari. The case revolves around allegations that his wife had been visiting him in jail without adhering to the required formalities.

Justice Jaspreet Singh stated that the court was reluctant to grant bail to Ansari at this point. This decision stemmed from the fact that key individuals, such as eyewitnesses and policemen involved in the case, were yet to be examined.

“Considering the profile and the background of the applicant and his family antecedents, the allegations may not be completely without substance,” said the Court.

The Court also emphasized that if the jail authorities allowed Ansari's wife unrestricted access due to financial incentives or coercion, it raised concerns about his potential to wield influence and manipulate witnesses effectively.

Additionally, the Court highlighted that Ansari holds a position of responsibility, and therefore, his behavior must adhere to a higher standard compared to others.

Ansari, serving as an MLA from Mau Assembly, was booked by the Uttar Pradesh Police last year. The allegations arose when it was purportedly discovered that his wife, accompanied by her driver, had been visiting him inside the jail for extended periods without any apparent restrictions.

Furthermore, allegations suggest that Ansari used his wife's mobile phones to intimidate witnesses and officials linked to the cases pending against him. The prosecution contends that Ansari engaged in threats, including extortion, to coerce individuals into providing him with money.

In his plea for bail in the case, Ansari argued that no offense could be attributed to him directly, as the allegations primarily targeted his wife and other individuals, including police officials and jail authorities.

It was further submitted that all co-accused, including Ansari's wife, have been granted bail in the case. The court was informed that, apart from the money laundering case, Ansari has been granted bail in all other cases against him.

However, the State opposed the bail plea, contending that Ansari's wife, Nikhat, had been granted bail by the Supreme Court solely on the grounds of being a mother with a one-year-old child. Upon consideration of these arguments, the Court noted that jail authorities typically do not grant the level of unrestricted access to inmates, as was reportedly given to Ansari's wife at his request.