Date:04/07/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/07/04/stories/2009070458390100.htm

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Sanction to prosecute Varun granted

Atiq Khan

LUCKNOW: The Uttar Pradesh government on Friday granted sanction to the Pilibhit district administration to prosecute local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament Varun Gandhi, in connection with the alleged hate speeches he delivered during the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections.

The sanction for prosecution relates to case number 255/09 filed against the BJP MP in Barkherha police station on March 17, 2009, under Sections 153 A ( spreading enmity between two sections of society ) and 188 of the Indian Penal Code, and Section 125 of the Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951.

The Mayawati government’s nod follows the approval of the State Law Department, which was obtained a couple of days back.

State Home Secretary, Mahesh Gupta, said the State government’s sanction for prosecution is necessary to proceed in cases filed under Section 153 A.

The government’s go-ahead means a fresh charge sheet will be filed against Mr. Gandhi in the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) court at Pilibhit.