Rampur, October 31 (TNA) The release of senior Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan and his son, Abdullah Azam Khan, moved closer on Saturday after the Allahabad High Court granted them bail in the dual PAN card case.
The High Court suspended the sentences awarded to the two accused and allowed their bail pleas. However, the court did not grant their request to stay the conviction, according to reports.
Release Warrants Issued
After the High Court order was submitted before the MP-MLA Magistrate Court in Rampur and the bail conditions were completed, the court issued release warrants for Azam Khan and Abdullah Azam. Reports said Azam Khan deposited ₹3.50 lakh, while Abdullah deposited ₹2.75 lakh with the court’s treasury as part of the required legal formalities. The release warrants were issued after the court completed the necessary proceedings.
Seven-Year Sentences Suspended
The two leaders had been sentenced to seven years in prison in the case involving allegations that Abdullah Azam possessed two PAN cards. The Allahabad High Court granted bail while suspending the sentences during the pendency of their appeals. The court’s decision provided major relief to the father-son duo, who have been in custody in connection with several criminal cases.
Other Cases May Affect Release
Although the release warrants have been issued in the dual PAN card case, the two may still face legal hurdles because of other pending cases. Reports said warrants in some additional matters have also been issued, while proceedings in several other cases remain pending.
Their actual release will therefore depend on whether any other valid detention order or pending case prevents the warrants from being executed. Jail authorities are expected to verify all records before releasing them.
The bail order does not amount to an acquittal, and the High Court’s decision to suspend the sentence remains subject to the outcome of the appeals.