Explained: What next for Hardik Patel after HC refuses to stay conviction
As the verdict has put Hardik's electoral fortune in the sphere of uncertainty, sources say that Hardik's chances of getting relief against the HC order from the Supreme court are very dim.
Politically, the Gujarat HC verdict can prove to be a big setback for Hardik Patel since, sources close to him say, the Patidar quota leader is very eager to fight the forthcoming election and sit in the Lok Sabha. (Express photo by Dilip Kagda/File)
The verdict of Gujarat High Court (HC) can be seen as a major setback for Hardik Patel who was looking quite eager to contest Lok Sabha elections from Jamnagar constituency of Saurashtra region. As the verdict has put Hardik’s electoral fortune in the sphere of uncertainty, sources say that Hardik’s chances of getting relief against the HC order from the Supreme court are very dim.
After the Gujarat HC rejected his application to stay the conviction ordered by Visnagar court, Hardik may challenge the verdict before the Supreme Court. His close aides said that they were considering the legal option of approaching the top court, but no decision was taken yet.
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And if moved, Hardik’s petition before the apex court, most probably, may be heard by the SC at the earliest on Monday (April 1). In such a scenario, Hardik will also be fighting against time since the last date for filing of nominations for Gujarat is April 4. So, one is not sure if the hearing of the petition can be completed by April 4, leave aside its complete adjudication on merits.
And even if the court decides the matter by April 4, Hardik may also ruin his chance of contesting for other elections at least till the criminal case against him is finally decided by courts, if the decision of the apex court comes against him.
In such a situation, probabilities are very high that Hardik will not be able to qualify to file his nomination for the Lok Sabha elections.
Politically, this can prove to be a big setback for Hardik since, sources close to Hardik say, the Patidar quota leader is very eager to fight the forthcoming election and sit in the Lok Sabha. If Hardik does not get a chance to fight the elections, his role will be restrained to campaigning for Congress party across the country. Notably, he is the only Congress leader from Gujarat who is named as a ‘Star Campaigner’ by the party.
Parimal A Dabhi works with The Indian Express, focusing on the state of Gujarat. Leveraging his seniority and access, Dabhi is recognized for his reporting on the complex interplay of law, politics, social justice, and governance within the region.
Expertise & Authority (E-E-A-T)
Core Authority (Social Justice and Law): Dabhi is a key source for in-depth coverage of caste-based violence, discrimination, and the state's response to social movements, particularly those involving Dalit and OBC communities. His reporting focuses on the societal and legal fallout of these issues:
Caste and Discrimination: He has reported extensively on social boycotts and instances of violence against Dalits (such as the attack on a Dalit wedding party in Patan), the community's demands (like refusing to pick carcasses), and the political responses from leaders like Jignesh Mevani.
Judicial and Legal Affairs: He tracks significant, high-stakes legal cases and judgments that set precedents in Gujarat, including the convictions under the stringent Gujarat Animal Preservation Act (cow slaughter), and developments in cases involving former police officers facing charges of wrongful confinement.
Political and Administrative Oversight: Dabhi provides essential coverage of the inner workings of the state government and the opposition, ensuring a high degree of Trustworthiness in political analysis:
State Assembly Proceedings: He frequently reports directly from the Gujarat Assembly, covering Question Hour, debates on budgetary demands for departments like Social Justice, and ministerial statements on issues like illegal mining, job quotas for locals, and satellite-based farm loss surveys.
Electoral Politics: His work details key political developments, including election analysis (voter turnout records), party organizational changes (like the end of C R Patil’s tenure as BJP chief), and campaign dynamics. ... Read More
