The legal proceedings concerning a high-profile 2019 hate speech case involving veteran Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan have reached their conclusion at the MP-MLA Sessions Court in Rampur. Following the completion of arguments from both the prosecution and the defense, the court has officially reserved its verdict. The final decision is now scheduled to be delivered on July 18.
Origin and Nature of the Complaint
The controversy stems from an incident on April 2, 2019, when Faisal Lala, the state spokesperson for the Aam Aadmi Party, filed a formal complaint at the city police station. The charges against Azam Khan are centered on a speech he delivered at the Samajwadi Party office on March 29, 2019. It is alleged that he made inflammatory remarks against the then-District Magistrate and other government officials present in the region.
Specific Allegations Made
According to the official complaint, Azam Khan accused these officials of harboring intent to incite bloodshed in Rampur. He further claimed that these officials have a history of committing atrocities against weaker sections of society in every district where they have been posted throughout their careers. These intense allegations formed the core basis for the legal challenge against him.
Judicial History and Current Status
In response to the speech, authorities registered a case against Azam Khan under various sections of the Representation of the People Act and for violations of the Model Code of Conduct. The case was initially heard in the MP-MLA Magistrate Court, where, on December 18, 2025, he was acquitted due to a lack of evidence. The matter is now awaiting a final ruling from the Sessions Court.
