2009 -- India Election -

[Guest]

<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin--><b>Varun set to get bail on April 16</b>
pioneer.com
Abraham Thomas | New Delhi
SC raps Maya, Centre for slapping NSA
After spending a fortnight in jail under the National Security Act (NSA), BJP leader Varun Gandhi may finally be free. The Supreme Court on Monday rapped the Uttar Pradesh Government for invoking NSA on the leader and asked it to consider ending the detention on an undertaking by Varun that he would not indulge in any provocative speech. A decision in this regard would be taken on April 16.

<b>While the court virtually indicted the State Government for continuing NSA against Varun, it did not spare its fury against the Centre, which the court found to be equally wanting in failing to revoke the “drastic” NSA. </b>

“<b>He (Varun) is not a criminal. Why such drastic measures were invoked?” </b>the Bench of Chief Justice KG Balakrishnan and Justice P Sathasivam questioned senior advocate Harish Salve, appearing for the UP Government. In the same vein, the Bench asked, <b>“The Centre can revoke it, the State can revoke it. Was it considered by the Advisory Committee?”</b>

<b>Not amused by the State Government’s affidavit approving NSA against Varun for maintenance of “public order”, the Bench even went to the extent to doubt the genuineness of purpose behind the State action</b>. It asked, <b>“Is the State serious about continuing the charges?”</b>

Finding the Bench’s comments too sticky to handle, Salve was swift to shift the blame on the Centre.

<b>“In his (Varun) representation, he said he has full faith in the Central Government. We have forwarded the documents to the Centre. It is for them to act.”</b>

At this, senior advocate Mukul Rohtagi appearing for Varun pointed out that his client expected justice only from the judiciary. Though the process of filing nomination papers for election to Pilibhit Lok Sabha constituency begins on April 17, Rohtagi argued that his client was in jail and required at least a week to campaign and file his nomination papers.

Working on a middle path, the Bench suggested a proposal for the State Government’s consideration. It said, “If he (Varun) gives an undertaking to the court that he won’t give any provocative speech of this nature, would the State consider?” Since the State was only concerned with the law and order situation, the Bench noted that this should be sufficient guarantee for permitting his release.

Rohtagi consented to this plan and offered to give an undertaking. While agreeing in principle with the formula, Salve sought time to take instruction from his client. The matter has been fixed for Thursday, the next date of hearing, considering the urgency. <!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

Moron Singh again failed or just doing his job to promote his boss.