Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan may be out of jail, but his legal battles are far from over. Even after his release from Sitapur jail, multiple cases against him are reaching a crucial stage. October 1 is set to be a significant date, with three cases nearing verdicts.
Azam Khan’s Legal Struggles
Azam Khan’s troubles began after the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Over the years, he has spent 27 months and then 23 months in jail. While 104 cases have been filed against him, 59 are still pending in the Sessions Court and 19 in the Magistrate Court. Verdicts have already been issued in 12 cases, with five convictions and seven acquittals. Currently, three cases are close to judgment.
Key Cases Nearing Verdict
Inciting Speech (2019 Elections)
A case against Azam Khan was filed during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, where he allegedly incited voters at a rally and urged them to vote beyond the stipulated time. This was flagged as a violation of the Model Code of Conduct. The verdict is expected soon.
Remarks on Amar Singh’s Family (2018)
In 2018, former MP Amar Singh lodged a case against Azam Khan for making objectionable remarks about his family during a televised interview. The case, originally filed in Lucknow, was later transferred to Rampur. Hearings are underway in the MP-MLA Special Court.
Enemy Property Case
Azam Khan has been summoned to personally appear in Rampur court on October 1 in connection with the enemy property case. Although new sections have been added, the defense has appealed to the Supreme Court.
Other Pending Cases
The Yatimkhana Basti case involving land disputes also continues, with hearings scheduled for September 25. Cases relating to inflammatory speeches and land grabbing remain in progress. Another case, filed in 2017 by BJP MLA Akash Saxena, accuses Azam Khan of making derogatory remarks against the Indian Army. Arguments in these matters are reportedly complete, with verdicts expected soon.
Jauhar University Under ED Investigation
Beyond the courtroom, Azam Khan’s dream project, Maulana Ali Jauhar University, is under scrutiny by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Despite earlier raids by the Income Tax Department at over 30 locations, no seizure has yet been enforced. Investigations revealed irregularities worth ₹350 crore in the university’s construction. The IT Department has moved to recover around ₹5.5 billion, including penalties and interest, from the Jauhar Trust.
The ED is also investigating the movable and immovable assets of Azam Khan, his wife Tanzeen Fatima, son Abdullah Azam, and several associates connected to the university. Contractors, architects, and officials from agencies like Jal Nigam, PWD, and Rural Development Department have also come under the scanner.
The Road Ahead
Despite his release, Azam Khan’s legal and financial troubles appear far from over. With multiple verdicts around the corner and ED action pending, the coming weeks will be decisive for the veteran Samajwadi Party leader.
