Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan has failed to get immediate relief from the Supreme Court in his legal battle against the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The top court declined to directly hear his petition challenging his arrest and judicial custody in a money laundering case. Instead, the bench directed that the matter be taken up by the Allahabad High Court and requested an early hearing. Azam Khan has sought a hearing before November 16. With the Supreme Court's decision, his legal challenge will now continue before the High Court, where he is hoping to secure relief from the ongoing proceedings.

Kapil Sibal Raises Concerns Over Azam Khan's Arrest
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal appeared on behalf of Azam Khan before the Supreme Court. He told the bench that Khan is around 80 years old and alleged that he was being repeatedly targeted through legal action. Sibal argued that Azam Khan was granted bail in a case involving two PAN cards, but shortly after his release from jail, the ED arrested him in connection with a 2019 case. He also claimed that the timing of the action raised concerns about an attempt to keep the senior Samajwadi Party leader away from upcoming political activities. These arguments were presented while seeking relief against the ED's action.

Supreme Court Asks Him to Approach Allahabad High Court
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi declined to entertain the petition directly. The judges indicated that Azam Khan should first present his arguments before the Allahabad High Court. Accordingly, the matter was sent back to the High Court, with a request for an early hearing. Khan's legal team has requested that the case be taken up by November 16. The Supreme Court's decision does not settle the merits of his challenge, and the question of whether his arrest and detention are legally justified will now be considered through the High Court proceedings.

ED Arrested Him Soon After Release From Jail
On October 31, Azam Khan was granted bail by the Allahabad High Court in the case related to two PAN cards. He was subsequently released from Rampur jail after spending around 11 months in custody. However, his release was short-lived as the ED took him into custody in connection with an alleged money laundering investigation linked to Jauhar University. The case concerns financial transactions associated with the university. The fresh arrest came just after he had secured bail in the earlier matter, bringing another legal challenge for the senior politician.

Azam Khan Lodged in Dasna Jail Under Judicial Custody
Following his arrest, the ED took Azam Khan to Ghaziabad for further questioning and legal proceedings. After a medical examination, he was produced before a court, which remanded him to 14 days of judicial custody. He was subsequently lodged in Dasna Jail in Ghaziabad. Khan challenged the ED's action before the Supreme Court, seeking relief from his arrest and detention. However, with the top court directing him to approach the Allahabad High Court, his immediate legal hopes now rest on an early hearing and the decision of the High Court.