Author: PTI
Publication: The Pioneer
Date: March 19, 2009
URL: http://www.dailypioneer.com/163618/Varun-moves-HC-challenging-FIR-alleges-political-conspiracy.html
BJP leader Varun Gandhi, against whom a criminal
case has been filed on the directive of the Election Commission over his anti-Muslim
speeches, today moved the Allahabad High Court seeking quashing of the FIR
which, he claimed, was a result of "a political conspiracy".
In his petition, 29-year-old Varun has challenged
the FIR filed on March 17 at Barkheda Police Station 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.
The grandson of former prime minister Indira
Gandhi who is planning to make his electoral debut in the upcoming general
elections as BJP candidate from Pilibhit alleged in his petition that the
FIR, which was lodged nine days after he made the speeches, was "a part
of a political conspiracy" to spoil his political career and tarnish
his "secular image".
He has also alleged that the video footage
of a public meeting, on the basis of which the Election Commission has taken
the action, "has been tampered with" and did not contain his voice.
In the FIR, Varun has been accused of having
delivered an "inciting speech" on March 8 which has "caused
insecurity in the minds of one particular community".
The FIR also states that he meeting addressed
by held was held without permission and in violation of Section 144 imposed
by the local administration.
Senior advocate Gopal Chaturvedi is likely
to argue the case on Varun's behalf, though it was not clear when the matter
was likely to come up for hearing.
Holding that his anti-Muslim speeches amount
to violation of the Model Code of Conduct, the Election Commission yesterday
slapped notices on Varun and BJP seeking their response by Friday and ordered
video tracking of his entire campaign.
