Overview

• The Maharashtra government told the court it refused Fahim Ansari a police clearance certificate because he remains under surveillance for suspected links to a banned outfit, citing a confidential report and 2014 guidelines.
• On Saturday, the bench took a sealed-cover report on record and directed that no order would be made without giving Ansari or his counsel an opportunity to access the material.
• The court granted four weeks for Ansari’s side to file additional material, with the state asked to produce the sealed report on the next date and the court indicating access may be permitted if necessary.
• During Friday’s hearing, the bench questioned the legal basis for the denial and remarked that the government resolution relied upon was illegal, as the state maintained its stand under the 2013/2014 policy.
• In his plea, Ansari argues the refusal violates his right to livelihood after acquittal in the 26/11 case, noting he obtained a commercial licence on January 1, 2024, and learned via RTI that the PCC was rejected over alleged LeT links, while the state also cites his separate 2008 Rampur conviction.