Rampur Court Convicts SP Leader In Case Linked To Remarks Against District Magistrate
A court in Rampur has sentenced senior Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan to two years in prison in connection with a controversial speech delivered during the 2019 Lok Sabha election campaign.
The court also imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 on the SP leader.
The case was related to remarks made by Azam Khan against the then District Magistrate of Rampur during an election rally held in Bhot while contesting the Lok Sabha polls from Rampur constituency.
Speech Triggered Major Political Controversy
During the campaign rally, Azam Khan allegedly made objectionable comments targeting the district administration and the then District Magistrate.
Referring to the officer as a “tankhaiyya aadmi” (salaried employee), Khan had urged supporters not to fear the administration during the elections.
The speech quickly went viral on social media and sparked sharp political reactions at the time.
Remarks About Officials & Mayawati Also Came Under Scrutiny
Apart from targeting the district administration, Azam Khan also made controversial remarks while referring to Mayawati during the speech.
According to the prosecution, his comments regarding senior officials and political leaders were considered objectionable and inflammatory.
Following the rally, a case was registered against him at Bhot police station under provisions related to election conduct and public speeches.
Court Relied On Videos, Witnesses & Documentary Evidence
During the trial, the prosecution presented multiple pieces of evidence before the court, including video footage of the speech, eyewitness accounts and documentary records linked to the rally.
Advocate Swadesh Sharma said the conviction was based on both oral testimonies and documentary evidence produced during the proceedings.
After examining the material and hearing witness statements, the court found Azam Khan guilty and awarded a two-year jail sentence along with the monetary penalty.
Verdict Could Carry Political Consequences
The judgment is politically significant because a sentence of two years can attract disqualification provisions under election laws for elected representatives.
The ruling may therefore have broader implications for Azam Khan’s political future.
The Samajwadi Party leader has faced multiple legal cases in recent years, many linked to speeches, land disputes and administrative matters during his political career in Uttar Pradesh.
