HC notice to Azam on removal of beacon from Jaya's vehicle

The Allahabad High Court today sought response from Uttar Pradesh minister Azam Khan and some others on a petition filed by actress-turned MP Jaya Prada in connection with the removal of red beacon from her vehicle.
A division bench comprising Justice Sunil Ambwani and Justice Bharat Bhushan asked Azam, besides the Additional Regional Transport Officer of Rampur and the in-charge of Civil Lines Police station of the district, to file their personal affidavits by July 7.
The bench also fixed July 11 as the next date of hearing in the matter.
Besides, counter-affidavits have been sought from Principal Secretary (Home) and Principal Secretary (Transport) of the state who have been made parties in the matter.

The court also stayed proceedings with regard to the fine slapped on the former actress.
Jaya Prada, who represents Rampur in Lok Sabha, has alleged that on April 13, the beacon of her vehicle was removed and she was slapped a fine of Rs 25,000 at the behest of Khan, who wanted to "humiliate" her.

She has also alleged that the officials misbehaved with her and that she had lodged a police complaint with regard to the same.
Significantly, Khan, who is one of the top leaders of the ruling Samajwadi Party in UP, hails from Rampur and is known to wield considerable influence in the district.

He had strongly opposed the candidature of Jaya Prada, a close aide of Amar Singh, from Rampur in the 2009 Lok Sabha polls.
Khan's opposition to Jaya Prada's candidature was followed by his parting of ways with the SP for a brief period.
He returned to the party after the expulsion of Singh and Jaya Prada in 2010.