High Court Clears Path for BJP MLA with Prosecution Withdrawal

The Allahabad High Court's Lucknow bench withdrew prosecution against BJP MLA Ram Chander Yadav, linked to 2012 Ayodhya violence during an idol immersion. Justice Rajeev Singh set aside the trial court's 2022 order, facilitating the state's withdrawal plea, citing the absence of public policy conflict and ensuring justice.

The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court granted prosecution withdrawal for BJP MLA Ram Chander Yadav on Wednesday. Yadav was involved in the 2012 Ayodhya idol immersion violence case. Justice Rajeev Singh, addressing both an MLA petition and a state criminal revision, annulled the trial court's 2022 decision, endorsing the state's plea.

The incident dated back to October 24, 2012, when a crowd gathered during an idol immersion procession in Ayodhya's Rudauli area, prompting clashes between two communities. Accusations against Yadav featured making incendiary statements, which led the crowd to violence, injuring several officers.

In 2020, the state's BJP-led government advocated for prosecution withdrawal. The high court appreciated the independent stance of the public prosecutor in seeking withdrawal, emphasizing absence of conflicts with justice or public policy. The decision to drop charges centered on statements from co-accused individuals.