Lucknow: Samajwadi Party (SP) MLA and former minister Azam Khan suffered a major setback on Thursday. He was sentenced to three years in jail in the hate speech case. A fine of Rs 25,000 has also been imposed on him. The sword has been hanging over Azam Khan’s post as a member of the legislative assembly after the quantum of punishment was announced. Azam Khan’s punishment is seen as a major setback not only for him but also for the Samajwadi Party. Azam Khan is considered to be the tallest leader in the Samajwadi Party after Akhilesh Yadav.

Azam Khan was taken into custody after being convicted after the MPMA special court began the hearing on Thursday afternoon. The court then delivered its verdict at 4 pm. Meanwhile, Azam Khan was kept in custody.

Azam Khan was booked under three sections. Azam Khan has been convicted in all the three cases. Azam Khan was booked for making provocative speeches during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Azam Khan made objectionable remarks on PM Modi and CM Yogi Adityanath during the speech.

Earlier in the day, Azam Khan had filed a petition seeking change in the date of the verdict. He said the matter was sub-judice in the High Court. The court, however, dismissed his arguments.