Allahabad High Court Stays Trial Against SP MLA, Wife In Domestic Help Suicide Abetment Case

The Allahabad High Court recently stayed further proceedings in a sessions trial against Samajwadi Party MLA from Bhadohi, Zahid Beg @ Zahid Jamal Beg and his wife (Seema Beg), who have been accused in the suicide abetment case linked to their domestic help. A bench of Justice Sameer Jain passed the interim order while hearing Section 528 BNSS plea filed by the sitting MLA and his wife seeking protection from coercive action. The single judge noted that a similar application had already been filed by the MLA's wife and it had called for a counter-affidavit in that matter. At the outset, Senior Advocate GS Chaturvedi, assisted by Advocate Zeeshan Mazhar, appearing for the applicant submitted that the applicant is a sitting MLA who has been falsely implicated in this case without proper investigation. He pointed out that a charge sheet had been filed against them under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which relates to abetment of suicide, even though prima facie offence under this provision is not made out. The senior counsel further informed the Court that the MLA's wife had filed a separate Application U/S 528 BNSS in connection with a different FIR and that after considering the material on record, the High Court had already issued notice in that matter. He urged the Court to connect the present application with that of the wife's so that both could be simultaneously heard and disposed of and that the applicant be protected in the meantime. The State's Additional Government Advocate though opposed the plea but could not dispute the argument on facts advanced by the applicant's counsel. After hearing both sides, the Court connected the matter and granted interim relief to the husband-wife duo in the meantime by observing thus: "Till the next date of listing, further proceedings of Session Trial No.34 of 2025 (State Vs. Zahid Beg @ Zahid Jamal Beg & another) arising out of Case Crime No.188 of 2024, under Section 108 BNS, Police Station Bhadohi, District Bhadohi pending in the court of Special Judge(M.P./M.L.A.)/Additional Session Judge Ist Bhadohi Gyanpur shall remain stayed with respect to applicant". It may be noted that SP MLA and his wife are facing two cases of forcing two minor girls, one of whom died by suicide, into labour. The minor girl was found dead under suspicious circumstances on September 9, 2024 in Beg's house. Earlier this year, the HC granted bail to the MLA.Case title - Zahid Beg Alias Zahid Jamal Beg And Another vs. State of U.P. and AnotherClick Here To Read/Download Order

Allahabad High Court Stays Trial Against SP MLA, Wife In Domestic Help Suicide Abetment Case

Sparsh Upadhyay

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