Politics
Allahabad High Court stays murder convict's sentence for 2027 polls
The Hindu·
The Allahabad High Court stayed Nandlal Rai alias Babloo Rai's murder conviction so he can contest the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly election. Justices Siddharth and Vinai Kumar Dwivedi granted bail October 5, citing livelihood and a 2023 Supreme Court precedent. Rai was convicted in 2025 for killing Pramod Kumar Nigam in a 2017 Sigra case tied to Mukhtar Ansari's circle.
Prism
What It Means For You
- Voters in Rai's intended constituency may see him campaign while his murder appeal remains pending.
- Other convicted politicians can cite the 2023 Supreme Court stay precedent in similar bail requests.
- The Varanasi sessions court verdict stays on hold until the high court rules on the appeal.
What's Happening
- Rai sought release saying he was not named in the initial FIR.
- The court noted he was an active BJP worker before conviction.
- Prosecutors tied the killing to Ram Janmabhoomi movement member Nigam.
Political Bail After Conviction
- The Supreme Court in Afjal Ansari vs State of Uttar Pradesh stayed convictions for legislators facing election bars.
- The high court said staying sentence lets Rai survive until a final appeal verdict.
- The 2017 case was registered at Sigra police station in Varanasi.
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