The Bombay High Court in Mumbai dismissed a petition from Fahim Arshad Mohammad Yusuf Ansari, one of the two individuals acquitted in the November 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, seeking a police clearance certificate (PCC) to operate a commercial auto-rickshaw. The court, led by Justices AS Gadkari and RR Bhosale, cited security concerns regarding Ansari's alleged connections to the Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Ansari, who has been unemployed since the pandemic forced the closure of his previous job at a printing press, argued that the denial of the PCC was arbitrary and discriminatory, impeding his fundamental right to earn a livelihood. He claimed that driving an auto-rickshaw could provide him with a monthly income of ₹20,000-25,000 (approximately $240-$300 USD). However, the state government maintained its position against granting him a character certificate, emphasizing the security implications. Ansari was previously arrested in January 2009 for allegedly aiding the attackers but was acquitted in May 2010 due to insufficient evidence. Despite his acquittal, he continues to face barriers in securing employment.