The Supreme Court on Tuesday termed Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MLA Mukhtar Ansari as a "dreaded criminal" with numerous criminal cases pending against him. 

This remark was made by a bench comprising Justices Bela M Trivedi and Pankaj Mithal during a hearing of Ansari's plea challenging his conviction under the Uttar Pradesh Gangsters and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act.

During the proceedings, Justice Trivedi's observation underscored the gravity of Ansari's criminal record, stating, "He is a dreaded criminal; so many cases." Despite this characterization, the Court allowed Ansari to file a rejoinder affidavit and scheduled the next hearing for April 2.

The backdrop of this legal battle traces back to a September 2022 verdict by the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court. In that ruling, Ansari was sentenced to five years in prison and fined ₹50,000. The conviction stemmed from a First Information Report (FIR) filed against Ansari in 1999, alleging his involvement in heinous offenses such as murder, extortion, kidnapping, and abduction. 

The FIR painted a chilling picture of Ansari's reign of terror, noting that even lodging a complaint against his gang members was an act of fear and intimidation for the public in Lucknow and its neighboring areas.

The legal saga continued with Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh of the Allahabad High Court overturning a 2020 order by a Special Judge, MP/MLA cases, which had acquitted Ansari of charges under the Gangsters Act. This decision prompted Ansari to appeal to the Supreme Court, seeking redress. The apex court, in October, had sought the response of the Uttar Pradesh government on the matter.

During the recent hearing, Uttar Pradesh Additional Advocate General Garima Prashad represented the state and emphasized Ansari's history of instilling a "reign of terror" before his conviction. Notably, Ansari is currently incarcerated, leading the bench to adjourn the proceedings.

Case:  Mukhtar Ansari vs State of Uttar Pradesh.