The Supreme Court has directed Uttar Pradesh authorities to maintain the current security arrangements for incarcerated gangster-politician Mukhtar Ansari. Ansari is currently housed in Banda jail in the state, and the Apex Court emphasized the need to prevent any "unforeseen situation" that could compromise his safety.

The directive came during a hearing on a plea filed by Umar Ansari, the son of Mukhtar Ansari, expressing concerns about his father's safety within the jail premises. The petitioner sought the transfer of Mukhtar Ansari to a different prison outside Uttar Pradesh, citing an "imminent and serious threat" to his life.

A two-judge bench comprising Justice Hrishikesh Roy and Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra reviewed the security arrangements presented by Additional Solicitor General K M Nataraj, representing Uttar Pradesh. The bench acknowledged that the security measures in place seemed "formidable enough" after considering the details of pending cases against Mukhtar Ansari at various stages of investigation and trial.

Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the petitioner, requested an adjournment until July, but the bench noted that the state had implemented certain measures. The judges acknowledged the inherent uncertainties, stating, "Even with all the measures, things may happen. We may not be certain about that. For the moment, whatever is being done, let it continue."

The bench recalled that Mukhtar Ansari had previously been allowed to attend court hearings through virtual mode due to security concerns. Despite the petitioner's concerns about political persecution, the court deemed it appropriate to instruct the Uttar Pradesh authorities to persist with the existing security measures.

The petitioner's plea argued that Mukhtar Ansari, belonging to a political party opposing the ruling BJP in the state, faced persecution both politically and ideologically. Mukhtar Ansari, a multiple-time elected representative to the Uttar Pradesh legislative assembly from Mau constituency, has allegedly been targeted multiple times in the past due to his political affiliations.

The court scheduled further hearings on the matter for the third week of July. The petitioner's contentions revolve around the claim that Mukhtar Ansari's family has been subjected to persecution by the state, citing several attempts on his life in the past.