The Supreme Court on Thursday declined to entertain Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan’s bail plea in a money laundering case registered by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), transferring the matter to the Allahabad High Court with a request for an interim decision on November 16.
The apex court urged the Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court to assign the case to a division bench for hearing on November 16. It also requested the High Court to pass appropriate interim orders on the same day.
The proceedings concern a fresh ED case in which Khan was taken into custody shortly after securing bail in a separate criminal matter.
ED Arrest Following Release From Rampur Jail
Khan and his son, Abdullah Azam Khan, had been released from Rampur jail after obtaining bail in a case involving alleged possession of two PAN cards.
However, on Saturday, the Enforcement Directorate arrested the Samajwadi Party leader in connection with its money laundering investigation.
Following his arrest, a special court in Ghaziabad remanded Khan to 14 days of judicial custody.
Money Laundering Investigation Linked to 58 FIRs
The ED’s investigation stems from 58 FIRs registered by the Uttar Pradesh Police against Khan and individuals alleged to be associated with him.
According to the agency, government funds allocated for public works were allegedly diverted towards the construction of the privately owned Jauhar University in Rampur.
The investigation also covers suspected financial transactions and alleged transfers of benami properties. The ED sought Khan’s custody to question him about these matters.
University Assets Worth Rs 1,170 Crore Attached
On October 28, the Enforcement Directorate attached land and buildings belonging to Jauhar University. The agency estimated the market value of the attached assets at Rs 1,170 crore.
The attachment forms part of the money laundering investigation arising from the allegations concerning the use of government funds.
With the Supreme Court declining to consider Khan’s bail request, the matter will now proceed before the Allahabad High Court, which has been asked to hear the case and issue interim orders on November 16.
