The Supreme Court, on Thursday, granted interim protection from arrest to Umar Ansari, son of the prominent gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari, in connection with a criminal case dating back to the 2022 assembly elections. The case alleges his involvement in violating the model code of conduct during the elections.

A bench comprising Justices Hrishikesh Roy and P K Mishra issued a notice to the Uttar Pradesh government, responding to Umar Ansari's plea challenging the order passed by the Allahabad High Court. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Umar Ansari, argued before the bench, highlighting that the primary accused in the case had already been granted regular bail.

The legal saga began with an FIR filed on March 4, 2022, at the Kotwali police station in Mau district. The complaint implicated Abbas Ansari, who was contesting on behalf of the SBSP from the Mau Sadar seat, Umar Ansari, and approximately 150 other unidentified individuals. The FIR alleged that during a public meeting held on March 3, 2022, at the Pahadpura ground, Abbas Ansari, Umar Ansari, and event organizer Mansoor Ahmad Ansari incited sentiments against the Mau administration, thereby violating the election code of conduct.

However, the legal battle escalated when the Allahabad High Court dismissed Umar Ansari's anticipatory bail plea on December 19, 2023, deeming the offense to be substantiated by the facts and circumstances presented. Despite this setback, Ansari approached the apex court, seeking reprieve from potential arrest pending further legal proceedings.