Supreme Court may hear Azam Khan's challenge to ED arrest this week

The Supreme Court said Azam Khan's challenge to his latest ED arrest may be heard this week. The case deepens scrutiny of alleged financial irregularities involving the Jauhar Trust and university.

In Short

• Special Ghaziabad court remanded the 78-year-old leader to 14-day judicial custody
• Supporters gathered outside the court as Khan appeared under heavy security
• Agency acted after noting 58 police FIRs against Khan and associates

The Supreme Court on Monday said Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan's plea challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in a fresh money laundering case may be listed for hearing during the week, news agency Press Trust of India reported.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana took note of submissions by Khan's lawyer, Nizam Pasha, but refused to list the plea urgently. The Chief Justice, however, said it was likely to be heard during the week.

A special court in Ghaziabad on Sunday sent the 78-year-old SP leader to judicial custody for 14 days in connection with the money laundering case related to the Jauhar Trust.

Khan was produced before the court under heavy security, his lawyer said, according to PTI. Scores of his supporters gathered outside the court premises to catch a glimpse of the leader, who has faced several legal cases over the past few years.

The ED arrested Khan on October 31, shortly after he and his son Abdullah Azam Khan were released on bail from Rampur jail in an alleged dual PAN card case.

The agency registered the money laundering case against Khan and others after taking note of 58 FIRs filed by the Uttar Pradesh Police against him and his alleged associates.

On October 28, the ED said it had attached land and buildings belonging to Khan's Mohammad Ali Jauhar University in Rampur under the anti-money laundering law. The assets have a current market value of Rs 1,170 crore.

The agency alleged that government funds meant for public works were diverted to build the private university. It accused Khan of using his influence as Uttar Pradesh's urban development minister and over the Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam to facilitate the alleged irregularities.

The Rampur Development Authority ordered the demolition of 38 buildings on the university campus in July, following which the university filed an appeal. The ED also conducted searches in the case in August and questioned Khan.

Khan, who is facing several criminal cases, has challenged his latest arrest as he remains in judicial custody in the money laundering case linked to the Jauhar Trust.

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