Allahabad HC Stays Murder Conviction of Man Eyeing 2027 UP Polls

The Allahabad High Court has stayed the conviction and sentence of Nandlal Rai, alias Babloo Rai, who was convicted in 2025 in a 2017 murder case, until his criminal appeal is decided. A Division Bench of Justice Siddharth and Justice Vinai Kumar Dwivedi passed the order after Rai told the court that he is an active BJP worker and wants to contest the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly election, either as an independent or on a BJP ticket, LiveLaw reported on Monday, October 19.

The 2017 Killing of Pramod Kumar Nigam

Rai was convicted of the murder of Pramod Kumar Nigam, described in the reports as an active member of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. According to the prosecution case reported by LiveLaw, Nigam was allegedly killed over a minor dispute. Deccan Herald reported that the conviction was handed down by a court in Varanasi and that Rai was serving a life sentence.

Before the High Court, Rai’s counsel argued that he was not named in the FIR and that his alleged role surfaced about 17 days after it was lodged. The defence also questioned the eyewitness accounts and the recovery of the pistol said to be the murder weapon. The State opposed bail.

Bench Relies on the Afjal Ansari Ruling

The Bench relied on the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision in Afjal Ansari v. State of Uttar Pradesh, where the top court suspended the conviction of a sitting MP. The High Court noted that refusing to stay a conviction can cost a politician the chance to contest an election, and that such relief depends on the particular facts of each case.

The court also said that a common man’s right to livelihood is no less important than a politician’s right to contest elections, according to LiveLaw’s report of the three-page order.

Bail Conditions and Fine Deposit

Rai has been granted bail on a personal bond and two sureties. He cannot sell, transfer or mortgage immovable property in his name without the court’s permission, and must deposit half of the fine within one month of release. Recovery of the remaining fine stays until the appeal is decided.

The court directed that the paper book be prepared within six weeks, if not already done, and said the appeal will be listed for hearing in due course.

The order adds to recent high court rulings on liberty pending trial or appeal, such as the Delhi High Court’s order allowing Natasha Narwal to travel to the UK. The appeal itself is yet to be heard on merits. More court updates are on our Daily Updates page.

Based on reporting by LiveLaw and Deccan Herald.

Image: LiveLaw (file photo).