The Lucknow Bench of Allahabad High Court has ruled that the Uttar Pradesh government cannot withdraw terror cases without the Centre's consent.

The court said that most of the accused were booked under central acts. The High Court order came after the state government withdrew terror cases against 19 Muslims who were accused in terror acts.

AIR Lucknow correspondent reports that the ruling is being seen as a political setback for the ruling Samajwadi Party ahead of the general election due in May, as the withdrawal of terror cases against those described as innocent youths of a particular community, was one of the biggest political commitments of the party.

After taking charge, the Akhilesh government moved for withdrawing cases against 19 men accused in terror strikes like the March 2006 Varanasi serial blasts, which claimed 25 lives, and the serial court blasts of 2007.