"State Of Punjab Defending And Supporting A Terrorist": UP Govt. Submits In Its Plea Seeking Transfer Of Mukhtar Ansari To UP's Ghazipur Jail

"He is vociferously defended by the State of Punjab. State of Punjab is supporting a terrorist." Solicitor General of India, Tushar Mehta appearing on behalf of State of Uttar Pradesh, submitted before the Supreme Court today.

The Supreme Court Bench comprising of Justice Ashok Bhushan and Justice R. Subhash Reddy was hearing a plea filed by the State of U.P. seeking transfer of Mukhtar Ansari currently lodged in the Ropar Jail, Punjab to Ghazipur Jail in the State of UP.

The State of Uttar Pradesh approached the Apex Court seeking Ansari's transfer alleging that many serious offences are presently pending in the State against Ansari and his transfer is crucial owing to his appearance in those cases. However, the Superintendent of Ropar Jail has refused to hand over Ansari on medical grounds.

The Court had last month granted two weeks time to the State of Punjab and Ropar Jail authorities for filing counter affidavit in the matter.

According to the SGI, it was submitted that:

"State says that Ansari is suffering from depression. And he says he belongs to a family of freedom fighter. He is a gangster. He is arrested and does not file bail application because he is happy to be in Jail of Punjab."

SGI pressed upon the contention that Mukhtar Ansari, being a gangster, had more than 20 offences registered against him in the State of U.P., however, he was remanded to be in the State of Punjab as he enjoyed the "protection" being given by the State in Ropar Jail.

"He is vociferously defended by the State of Punjab." Added the SGI.

At this juncture, Mukul Rohatgi appearing for the State of Punjab intervened and submitted that he has also filed for the transfer of cases from the State of U.P. to Punjab and that it must be listed with the present matter in hand.

To this, SGI objected and submitted that since those cases were different, the same should not be listed along the petition.

"This is only a delay tactic. This is a question of serious significance. One gangster manages to get an FIR filed, doesn't file a bail and he enjoys being in Jail in Punjab. These are all counterblast petitions." SGI submitted.

In view of this, it was submitted by Mukul Rohatgi and Dushyant Dave, also appearing for the State of Punjab, that hearings via video conferences were taking place in the matter. However, SGI submitted that the State of Punjab cannot choose the forum in such a manner.

"You cannot sit in a five star accommodation and appear for trials in the State of U.P." SGI added.

After hearing the counsel appearing for both the parties, the bench ordered to hear the matter on 24th February 2021 at length.