Senior Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan and his son Abdullah Azam have once again landed in legal trouble, as a Rampur MP/MLA court on Monday sentenced both of them to seven years’ imprisonment in the high-profile dual PAN card case. The court also imposed a fine of ₹50,000 each.
The dramatic moment came when police personnel took both father and son into custody inside the courtroom immediately after the verdict, marking yet another major setback for the political family.
A swift return to jail
The sentencing comes barely two months after Azam Khan was released from Sitapur Jail, where he had spent nearly two years in judicial custody in multiple other cases. His release had briefly raised hopes that he might resume active political engagements, but the fresh conviction now sends him back behind bars.
What the dual PAN card case is about
The case revolves around allegations that Azam Khan and Abdullah possessed or used more than one PAN card, which is illegal under Indian law. After reviewing the evidence, the Rampur court found both guilty of violations related to identity documents and issued the maximum punishment under the relevant sections.
A long chain of legal troubles
This is not the first time Azam Khan and his family have faced legal consequences. Over the past few years, the SP leader has been entangled in multiple cases ranging from forgery to land disputes and document-related violations.
Even before this latest verdict, several of these cases had resulted in convictions, prolonged custody, and significant political fallout. Abdullah Azam, too, has faced several legal challenges concerning his documents and affidavits filed during elections.
Political implications
Azam Khan has been one of the most influential Muslim leaders in Uttar Pradesh politics for decades. His repeated imprisonments and convictions have significantly reduced his presence in the political arena and weakened his hold in Rampur, his traditional stronghold.
This new conviction further complicates his political future and may also influence local dynamics in forthcoming elections. The Samajwadi Party is expected to react strongly, while the ruling establishment may treat the verdict as validation of its stand on corruption and misuse of documents.
What happens next?
Legal experts expect Azam Khan’s legal team to challenge the verdict in a higher court. Possible next steps include:
- Filing an appeal seeking suspension of the sentence
- Moving for bail on medical or humanitarian grounds
- Challenging the conviction based on procedural or evidentiary grounds
Until then, both Azam Khan and Abdullah will remain in custody.
Timeline of key developments
- 2019–2023: Multiple cases filed against Azam Khan and his family
- Long custody: Azam remained jailed for nearly two years in various cases
- Sept 2025: Released from Sitapur Jail after getting relief in some matters
- Nov 2025: Fresh 7-year sentence and fine in dual PAN card case; taken into custody in court
Conclusion
The latest verdict marks a major turning point in the long-running legal battles of Azam Khan and his family. With another seven-year sentence handed down, the veteran leader’s political future looks uncertain, and Abdullah Azam also faces a renewed phase of judicial scrutiny. As the case moves to the appellate stage, the political and legal repercussions are expected to unfold in the coming weeks.
