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HC rejects 26/11 acquitted accused’s plea for police certificate
The Bombay High Court dismissed Fahim Arshad Mohammad Yusuf Ansari’s petition seeking a police clearance certificate to drive a commercial auto-rickshaw, citing security concerns after the police had denied the PCC citing alleged LeT links. Ansari, acquitted in the 26/11 case, argued his acquittal should allow him to seek employment, challenging restrictions on his livelihood post-release.
Why It Matters
The decision highlights the tension between security assessments and the right to livelihood for acquitted individuals, and it underscores the process and constraints around police character certificates for employment.
Timeline
7 Events
HC dismisses petition for PCC (April 29, 2026)
April 29, 2026
The Bombay High Court, citing security concerns, dismissed Ansari's petition seeking a police clearance certificate to drive a commercial auto rickshaw after the police had previously refused the PCC.
Received driving licence (January 1, 2026)
January 1, 2026
Ansari received the commercial driving licence on January 1, 2026.
Applied for commercial driving licence (2025)
2025
In 2025, Ansari applied for a commercial driving licence.
Convicted in Rampur attack, released in 2019
2019
Ansari was convicted in connection with a separate 2007 attack on a CRPF camp in Rampur and was released after completing his prison term in 2019.
Bombay High Court upholds acquittal (2011)
2011
The Bombay High Court upheld the acquittal in 2011.
Acquittal in 26/11 case (May 2010)
May 2010
Ansari and co-accused Sabauddin Ahmed were acquitted in the 26/11 case in May 2010, with the court noting that the prosecution’s evidence lacked quantity and quality.
Arrest of Ansari in January 2009
January 2009
Ansari was arrested in January 2009 for allegedly providing hand-drawn maps of locations targeted during the November 2008 terror attack, and for conducting reconnaissance for Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives.