Delhi HC stays parole granted to UP politician Mukhtar Ansari

The Delhi High Court on Friday stayed for three days the custody parole granted to Uttar Pradesh legislator Mukhtar Ansari by a trial court for canvassing in the state legislative assembly polls which he is also contesting.

Justice Mukta Gupta passed the order, staying the custody parole till February 20, after the Election Commission (EC) moved the high court seeking cancellation of his parole on the ground that he may influence witnesses in the 2005 murder case of BJP MLA Krishnanand Rai, in which he is facing trial.

The poll panel, which was represented by senior advocate Dayan Krishnan, said the accused was a serious threat to the society and hence the trial court's Thursday's order granting him parole should be stayed immediately.

The EC's plea was opposed by senior advocate S S Gandhi, who said that the legislator was granted similar relief in past also.