PRAYAGRAJ, Uttar Pradesh – In a significant development for the Samajwadi Party and its prominent leader, the Allahabad High Court has granted bail to former MLA Irfan Solanki in a case registered under the Uttar Pradesh Gangsters and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act. The order, passed on Thursday, September 25, 2025, by a single bench of Justice Samir Jain, marks a crucial juncture in Solanki’s prolonged legal battles. Along with Solanki, bail was also granted to his brother, Rizwan Solanki, and an associate, Israel Atewala. This news is currently trending, offering a glimmer of hope to his supporters.
Relief in the Gangster Case
Irfan Solanki, who has been incarcerated for nearly two years, is expected to be released from Maharajganj jail within the next few days. The court’s decision followed arguments from Solanki’s counsel, Imran Ullah, who contended that other co-accused in the same gangster case had already been granted bail. This argument, based on the principle of equality, was accepted by the High Court, even though government lawyers had opposed the bail plea, asserting Solanki’s role as the main accused. The case itself was initially registered at the Jajmau police station in Kanpur under the Gangster Act, with police alleging his involvement in organized crime activities.
A Web of Legal Battles
The bail in the gangster case comes amidst a series of legal challenges faced by the former four-time MLA from Kanpur’s Sisamau constituency. Solanki was convicted in June 2024 by a special court in Kanpur for a 2022 arson case, resulting in a seven-year rigorous imprisonment sentence. This conviction led to his immediate disqualification from the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly, a consequence of the Representation of the People Act which mandates disqualification for sentences of two years or more. He has also been involved in other cases, including an extortion case registered in 2022, for which he had previously secured bail from the Allahabad High Court in March 2025.
The Arson Conviction and its Aftermath
The most impactful of Solanki’s legal entanglements was the arson case. On November 8, 2022, a woman named Nazir Fatima lodged an FIR at the Jajmau police station, accusing Irfan Solanki, his brother Rizwan, and others of setting her house on fire in an alleged bid to grab her land. The MP-MLA court of Kanpur found Solanki and four others guilty on June 3, 2024, and pronounced the seven-year sentence on June 7, 2024. This conviction not only stripped him of his legislative membership but also opened up the Sisamau Assembly seat for a by-election.
Political Ramifications and Family’s Joy
The news of bail was met with elation by Solanki’s family and Samajwadi Party leaders. His wife, Naseem Solanki, who successfully contested and won the by-election for the Sisamau seat following her husband’s disqualification, expressed immense happiness and reiterated her belief in his innocence. She stated that all cases against him were false and expressed faith in the judicial process. The Supreme Court, in a related matter concerning Solanki’s plea to stay his conviction, had earlier remarked that his wife, Naseem Solanki, should be allowed to continue as MLA, noting her electoral victory and the impending elections. This sentiment underscores the complex political dynamics surrounding the case.
Exploring Solanki’s Future
While the bail order in the gangster case is a significant step towards his release, Solanki is expected to remain in judicial custody until all pending legal proceedings are resolved. His legal team has consistently argued that the charges are politically motivated. The current developments are trending widely across news platforms, inviting close observation from political analysts and the public alike. As Solanki prepares for his potential release, the focus will now shift to his future political activities and the outcomes of other pending cases. Supporters will keenly explore his next steps as he seeks to navigate the legal landscape and potentially re-establish his political presence. Many will enjoy following the news as it unfolds.
