Bulandshahr case: Azam Khan tenders fresh apology to SC

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday accepted an “unconditional apology” tendered by controversial Uttar Pradesh minister Azam Khan in connection with his alleged remark in the sensational Bulandshahr gangrape case, saying he has expressed “sincere and heartful remorse”.

“Respondent No 2 (Azam Khan) has given an unconditional apology and has expressed his sincere and heartful remorse,” the bench comprising Justices Dipak Misra and Amitava Roy said after the senior Samajwadi Party leader filed a fresh affidavit tendering apology following objections raised by the Attorney General to his earlier one.

The bench, which accepted Khan’s new affidavit tendering unconditional apology, made it clear that no further arguments on behalf of Azam will be entertained further in the matter. However, the bench said that the questions framed by it earlier regarding the Freedom of Speech and Expression and probable impact of statements of those holding high offices on free and fair probe in heinous cases including rape and molestation are required to be debated and posted the matter for hearing on February 8, next year.

The bench also noted in its order that eminent jurist Fali S Nariman, who has been appointed as an Amicus Curie for assisting the court in the matter, has fairly said that the affidavit furnished by Khan should be accepted.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, who was appearing for Khan, told the bench that as the questions framed by the court are constitutionally significant he would like to assist the court.