PRAYAGRAJ, Oct. 4 -- The Allahabad high court has held that a district magistrate (DM) must refer a property release plea to the competent court under Section 16(1) of the Uttar Pradesh Gangsters and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act, 1986, if he rejects the plea for release of property attached under the Gangsters Act.

A bench of Justice Ajay Bhanot and Justice Divesh Chandra Samant made the observation while quashing a March 9, 2026 order passed by the DM, Firozabad, rejecting a representation seeking release of attached property. The court remitted the matter to the DM for fresh consideration in accordance with law.

The petitioner had challenged the DM's order after his properties were attached on July 22, 2025 under Section 14...