The Delhi High Court on Friday (20th March), granted anticipatory bail to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Varun Gandhi who is contesting from Pilibhit parliamentary constituency in Uttar Pradesh. Earlier UP administration has filed a criminal case against him on the directions of the Election Commission over his alleged anti-Muslim speeches during a public meeting.

 

Justice Reva Khetrapal granted anticipatory bail to Varun Gandhi till March 27. His lawyers pleaded before the Delhi High court that the provision for anticipatory bail was not available in Uttar Pradesh. He was asked to furnish a personal bond of Rs 50,000 before the court.

 

Earlier, a FIR was filed against him at Barkheda Police Station in Pilibhit under Sections 153 A (promoting enmity between different groups on ground of religion) and 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by a public servant) of the Indian Penal Code and Section 125 of the Representation of the People Act. This FIR was lodged nine days after he made the alleged speeches on March 8. However, the young leader alleged that, the FIR was a part of a conspiracy to spoil his political career and tarnish his secular image.