SP Leader Azam Khan Challenges ED Arrest in Supreme Court, Plea Likely to Be Heard This Week

Senior Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Mohammad Azam Khan has approached the Supreme Court challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering investigation connected to the Mohammad Ali Jauhar University project in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh.

The legal development comes shortly after Khan walked out of Rampur district jail on October 31, following the Allahabad High Court's decision to grant him bail in a separate dual PAN card case. However, his release was short-lived as the Enforcement Directorate arrested him shortly after he left the prison.

Azam Khan Moves Supreme Court Against ED Arrest

Azam Khan's lawyer, advocate Nizam Pasha, mentioned the petition before a Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Monday, November 2, seeking an urgent hearing.

The Chief Justice agreed to have the matter listed for consideration later this week. The petition challenges the legality of the ED's arrest and seeks relief against his continued detention.

Khan has questioned the circumstances surrounding his arrest, which took place shortly after his release from Rampur jail.

Allahabad High Court Granted Bail in Dual PAN Card Case

Azam Khan had been lodged in Rampur district jail since November 2025 in connection with the dual PAN card case.

On October 29, the Allahabad High Court granted him bail and suspended his 10-year sentence in the case. However, the court declined to stay his conviction.

Following the court's order, Khan was released from Rampur jail on October 31. His release came after nearly a year in custody.

ED Arrest Linked to Jauhar University Money Laundering Investigation

The Enforcement Directorate arrested Azam Khan in connection with an ongoing money laundering investigation involving the Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar Trust and Mohammad Ali Jauhar University in Rampur.

The investigation concerns alleged financial irregularities in the construction and funding of the university.

The ED is examining allegations relating to the acquisition of land and the use of funds connected with the university project.

The agency had also taken action against properties associated with the university under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

These allegations remain subject to legal proceedings and judicial determination.

Ghaziabad Court Sends Azam Khan to Judicial Custody

Following his arrest on October 31, Khan was produced before a special PMLA court in Ghaziabad on November 1.

The court ordered 14 days of judicial custody in connection with the money laundering investigation.

His legal team has subsequently approached the Supreme Court challenging the ED's action and seeking relief against his detention.

Political Significance for Samajwadi Party

Azam Khan's legal battle has become an important political development for the Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh.

A senior SP leader and former minister, Khan has faced multiple legal cases over the past several years. His arrest shortly after release from jail has drawn attention from political observers and party supporters.

The Supreme Court's consideration of his petition is expected to be closely watched by the Samajwadi Party and political circles in Uttar Pradesh.

Conclusion

Azam Khan's decision to challenge his ED arrest in the Supreme Court marks another important development in the ongoing legal proceedings linked to the Jauhar University investigation. With the Supreme Court expected to consider his plea later this week, attention will remain on the court's decision regarding his arrest and continued judicial custody.