In a big relief to Afzal Ansari, the Supreme Court on Thursday put on hold his conviction in the gangster case paving the way for the restoration of his Lok Sabha membership. BSP leader Ansari was disqualified as an MP from Ghazipur after he was convicted on April 29 and was sentenced to prison for four years. Now, with the top court staying the conviction, Ansari would be able to use MP funds, however, he will not have any voting rights in the House.


The apex court has also asked the High Court to dispose of Afzal's appeal by June 30, 2024.