SP Leader Azam Khan Acquitted in 2019 Hate Speech Case; Disqualification Revoked

Lucknow: Prominent Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan has been acquitted in a significant hate speech case that dates back to 2019.

This follows his previous conviction in October of last year, where he was found guilty of allegedly making derogatory remarks against Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

The Rampur court had previously sentenced him to three years in prison and disqualified him from the UP assembly as a result of the conviction. The case itself was filed at the Milak police station in Rampur.

The conviction was based on Sections 153a, 505, and 125 of the Indian Penal Code, as well as Section 125 of the Representation of People Act 1951, which dealt with charges related to promoting enmity between groups and making statements that could incite public mischief.

However, Azam Khan lodged an appeal in the MP/MLA court challenging the verdict of the Rampur court. After careful consideration of the appeal, the court declared him innocent of the charges levelled against him.

It is worth noting that Azam Khan is facing a staggering 87 cases with various charges, all of which have been filed since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came into power in Uttar Pradesh in 2017. The recent acquittal in the hate speech case brings relief to Azam Khan amidst the legal battles he continues to face.