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Allahabad High Court on Friday granted interim protection from arrest to Aziz Qureshi, former Governor of Uttar Pradesh and two other states. Qureshi was booked under sedition charges for his alleged derogatory remarks against Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath led Uttar Pradesh Government.

A bench of Justice Pritinker Diwaker and Justice Mohd. Aslam granted him protection till the next date of hearing. Court also sought a response from the state government within the next four days.

Reportedly, last month former Governor had made a controversial remark against Adityanath government after he had met Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan’s wife Tanzeem Fatima. Leaving after meeting Fatima, Qureshi allegedly compared the Adityanath government to a “blood-sucking demon”.

He made this comment referring to State government’s actions against MP Azam Khan who is presently in judicial custody in connection with cases pending against him.

During the hearing, Counsel for Qureshi pleaded before the court for interim relief stating that Qureshi is a former Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Uttrakhand and Mizoram and had held various important assignments.

Stressing over former governor’s old age, his counsel further urged before the court for protection by some interim order, arguing that he is 82 years old and protection must be provided so that he may not suffer an irreparable injury and may not be harassed.

Accordingly, considering the facts and circumstances of case the Court granted interim protection from arrest to former governor.

The matter is listed to be next heard on October 6, 2021.

On the basis of a complaint filed by local BJP leader Akash Saxena, an FIR was registered against Qureshi at the Civil Lines Police Station on September 6, under section 153-A (promoting enmity between two groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc, and acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony), 153-B (imputations, assertions prejudicial to national integration), 124-A (sedition) and 505 (1)-B (intent to cause fear or alarm to the public) of Indian Penal Code.

It was alleged by Saxena that after meeting Azam Khan’s wife, Qureshi got emotional and called UP Chief Minister a devil incarnate. A video of Qureshi saying so went viral on social media as well. As per media reports, Saxena had also given a pen drive to police containing Qureshi’s alleged statement, which will be verified by the police.

Also, in July 2014, the state government of UP had passed the Mohammad Ali Jauhar University (Amendment) Bill, 2007, giving the institute minority status while Qureshi was Governor of Uttar Pradesh. Also, Azam Khan is Jauhar University’s Chancellor.

Case Title: - Dr.Aziz Qureshi v. State Of U.P. And 3 Others