Man Acquitted in 26/11 Case Challenges Denial of Police Clearance for Auto-Rickshaw Permit

Fahim Ansari argues in Bombay High Court that rejection of his certificate application violates his constitutional right to livelihood.

Fahim Ansari, acquitted in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack case, has petitioned the Bombay High Court for a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) to work as a commercial auto-rickshaw driver.
Ansari's application for the PCC was rejected by Mumbai Police due to allegations of past links with Lashkar-e-Taiba, despite his acquittal by the courts in the 26/11 case.
He contends the rejection is arbitrary and discriminatory, citing his constitutional rights to livelihood and life, and the lack of evidence substantiating the allegations.
Ansari was previously employed at a printing press, which shut down during the pandemic, leaving him to pursue odd jobs before applying for a commercial driving license in 2024.
The Bombay High Court has scheduled a hearing on March 18 to address Ansari's plea to overturn the denial of the PCC.