The Allahabad High Court is set to deliver its verdict on Thursday, October 29, regarding the criminal revision petitions filed by Azam Khan and his son Abdullah Azam Khan in connection with the dual PAN card case. Both leaders had approached the High Court to contest the verdict delivered by the trial court.
Plea Seeking Stay on Conviction and Interim Bail
In their petitions, Azam Khan and Abdullah Azam requested the court to stay their conviction, suspend the prison sentences handed down by the trial court, and grant them interim bail pending the final resolution of the legal proceedings. The defence argued that the lower court's findings suffered from procedural and legal infirmities that warrant intervention.
Timeline of Legal Developments and Bench Recusal
The proceedings witnessed multiple procedural shifts over recent months. In early August, Justice Vikram D Chauhan recused himself from hearing the dual PAN card matters concerning both politicians, after which the case was formally referred to the Chief Justice for assignment to an appropriate bench.
Earlier in the legal battle, Abdullah Azam had challenged the lower court judgment following a similar petition by his father, leading to joint hearings scheduled around mid-July. Meanwhile, the legal hurdles for both individuals expanded when the High Court issued notices on a separate petition seeking an enhancement of their prison terms.
The Core Allegations and Awaited Ruling
The dispute stems from charges involving the procurement and use of two distinct PAN cards bearing conflicting personal details. Following an extensive trial, the lower court held both father and son guilty and pronounced imprisonment. The upcoming High Court ruling will determine whether the convictions will be put on hold or upheld.
