Court Sentences Azam Khan’s Son Abdullah Azam in Passport Fraud Case
The Rampur MP-MLA Court on Friday sentenced Azam Khan’s son Abdullah Azam to seven years in prison in the fake passport case. The court also imposed a fine of ₹50,000. Moreover, this verdict adds to the series of forgery convictions against the Samajwadi Party leader’s family.
Special Judge Shobhit Bansal delivered the judgment through video conferencing. Azam Khan’s son Abdullah Azam attended the hearing from Rampur jail, where he has been lodged with his father. This case marks his third conviction linked to falsifying his date of birth. In this matter, he was the sole accused.
Just eighteen days earlier, both Azam Khan and Azam Khan’s son Abdullah Azam received seven-year sentences in the fake PAN card case. In 2023, the court also convicted the father, mother Tanzeen Fatima, and Abdullah in the forged birth certificate case. These repeated rulings show the growing legal pressure on the family.
Complaint Filed in 2019 Sparked Case Against Abdullah Azam
The fake passport case against Azam Khan’s son Abdullah Azam began in 2019. BJP leader Akash Saxena, who is now an MLA, filed an FIR at the Civil Lines police station. In his complaint, Saxena alleged that Abdullah obtained two passports using conflicting birth years.
According to the FIR, one passport shows January 1, 1993 as Abdullah’s date of birth. This date matches his education records. However, a second passport indicates his birth year as 1990. The prosecution argued that the second passport was created using forged documents. Moreover, they said Azam Khan’s son Abdullah Azam used both passports, which strengthened the case of deliberate fraud.
Prosecution lawyer Swadesh Kumar Sharma said the court found Abdullah guilty under Crime Number 594/2019. He said evidence proved that Abdullah knowingly used forged papers. Additionally, Sharma noted that the detailed judgment spans more than 400 pages.
The court examined 19 defense witnesses out of a list of 36. After reviewing all testimony, the judge imposed the maximum penalty under Section 467 of the IPC.
IPC Sections and Sentences Imposed on Abdullah Azam
The court convicted Azam Khan’s son Abdullah Azam under IPC Sections 420, 467, 468, and 471. These sections cover cheating, forgery, and use of forged documents. The detailed sentencing is as follows:
- Section 420 (Cheating): 3 years imprisonment + ₹10,000 fine
- Section 467 (Forgery of valuable documents): 7 years imprisonment + ₹20,000 fine
- Section 468 (Forgery for cheating): 3 years imprisonment + ₹10,000 fine
- Section 471 (Using forged documents): 2 years imprisonment + ₹10,000 fine
The total fine stands at ₹50,000. Failure to pay may increase the imprisonment term. Section 467 allows for life imprisonment, so the prosecution may consider an appeal for a harsher sentence. Sharma stated that they will review the judgment and decide on further legal steps.
These repeated convictions highlight a long and complex legal battle for the family. Azam Khan was released on bail in September 2023 after 23 months in jail. However, he returned to prison within 55 days due to another conviction. Now, with Azam Khan’s son Abdullah Azam also facing multiple sentences, the family’s legal troubles appear far from over.
Political Impact Ahead of the 2026 Elections
The conviction of Azam Khan’s son Abdullah Azam carries significant political consequences in Uttar Pradesh. Rampur has long been an SP stronghold. Therefore, repeated legal setbacks for the Khan family may weaken the party’s regional hold.
BJP leaders welcomed the verdict, saying it strengthens trust in the justice system. SP leaders criticised the ruling and hinted at political targeting. However, the MP-MLA Court maintained that all decisions were based strictly on evidence.
Political observers say the case may influence voter sentiment in Rampur. Moreover, with elections nearing, the ruling could shape the political narrative around accountability and leadership. The Khan family has been central to Rampur politics for decades, and their legal challenges now create uncertainty for party workers.
As lawyers prepare appeals in higher courts, Azam Khan’s son Abdullah Azam will remain in Rampur jail. The case continues to evolve, and more developments may emerge as the state moves closer to the polls.