Ahead of the UP polls,the Allahabad High Court Friday granted bail to don-turned-politician and former MP Atiq Ahmed,who has been in jail in connection with a case registered against him under the stringent Gangsters Act.
Justice D P Singh,however,made it clear that Ahmed will have to appear before the trial court whenever summons are issued.
Ahmed,who is seeking a revival of his sagging political career by contesting the election from Allahabad,has been behind bars since he was arrested in January 2008.
At present he is lodged in a jail in Basti district.
The High Court order paves the way for release of Ahmed,who has fallen out with the Samajwadi Party and is now contesting as a candidate of Apna Dal.