UP govt gives nod for prosecution of Varun for hate speech

LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh government has given sanction for prosecution of BJP MP from Pilibhit Varun Gandhi for his alleged hate speech during Lok Sabha elections last year, a senior official said on Friday.

"The state government gave prosecution sanction against BJP MP Varun Gandhi on November 30 on an FIR registered against him at Kotwali police station in Pilibhit district last year," Secretary (Home) Deepak Kumar told reporters.

Kumar said prosecution sanction has been given under various sections of the IPC and People's Representation Act.

Sections of IPC include 153(A) (promoting enemity between different groups on ground of religion), 295(A) (deliberate and malicious act intended to outrage religious feelings) and 505(2) (statement conducing to public mischief), he said.

Kumar said the sanction has been given in the case relating to the speech given by Varun on March 7, 2009.

During Lok Sabha poll, Varun, who was contesting from Pilibhit constituency, gave allegedly hate speeches in election rallies at Mohalla Dalchand and Barkhera town on March 7 and March 8.

Taking cognisance of the two incidents, the Election Commission had then directed the Chief Electoral Officer of Uttar Pradesh and the district magistrate to initiate criminal proceedings against Varun.

Later two separate FIRs were lodged against Varun on March 18 and March 19 in this connection and he was arrested.