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HC allows withdrawal of 2012 riot case against BJP MLA RC Yadav
The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court allowed the state government’s withdrawal of prosecution in the 2012 idol immersion riot case against BJP MLA Ram Chander Yadav, setting aside the trial court’s rejection. The court noted the prosecution withdrawal application was filed in good faith after reviewing the material. The case relates to riots during idol immersion in Rudauli, Ayodhya district, in 2012, with previous attempts to withdraw ongoing since 2020.
Why It Matters
This ruling resolves a long-running attempt to withdraw prosecution in a politically sensitive riot case, potentially influencing accountability and legal process in similar matters.
Timeline
4 Events
High Court permits withdrawal and sets aside trial court orders
May 6, 2026
The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court allowed the state government’s plea to withdraw prosecution against BJP MLA Ram Chander Yadav in the 2012 idol immersion riot case, setting aside the trial court’s orders that had rejected withdrawal. The court observed the public prosecutor’s withdrawal application had been filed in good faith after careful consideration of the material on record. The decision follows directions from the High Court and culminates in the withdrawal of prosecution.
Trial court rejects withdrawal application
October 2021
In October 2021, the trial court rejected the public prosecutor’s application seeking withdrawal of prosecution.
State government issues order to withdraw prosecution
June 2020
In June 2020, the state government issued an order to withdraw prosecution in the 2012 idol immersion riot case.
FIR and riot details from the 2012 idol immersion incident
October 24, 2012
On October 24, 2012, tractors carrying idols for immersion caused a traffic jam in front of the Rudauli police station. Drivers allegedly refused police instructions to move; Ram Chander Yadav allegedly instructed them to halt with the idols until he arrived, drawing a crowd of 2,000–3,000. Yadav reportedly informed the police that while the procession was passing by a mosque, a boy from another community had been smeared with colour, triggering an altercation during which an idol was damaged. The FIR alleged Yadav made aggressive statements before allowing the procession to proceed. After his intervention, around 250–300 people moved toward the village, pelting stones at members of the other community and attacking police, leaving several injured. An FIR was registered against him.