The 22-year-old jailed convener of Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PASS), Hardik Patel, on Tuesday gave assurance to the Gujarat High Court that he would not involve in any sort of incendiary activities including speech related to pro-quota agitation if the court granted him bail.
PAAS and other upper caste Patel community organisations have been demanding reservation in educational institutions and State Government jobs under Other Backward Class (OBC) category. The High Court was hearing the PAAS convener’s appeal against the rejection of his regular bail applications by different local courts of Surat and Ahmedabad in two sedition cases.
On Tuesday, Hardik’s counsel Zubin Bharda told the HC that his client was willing to give an undertaking in writing to refrain from activities that may affect law and order if granted bail. The court has kept further hearing on Wednesday. Bharda also clearly said that PAAS would continue on-going agitation in peaceful manner but Hardik wouldn’t do anything which may incite people or trigger violence. He also submitted a copy of proposed undertaking to the High Court and public prosecutor.
As per the proposed undertaking the applicant (Hardik) will continue to agitate for grievances of the Patidar community without indulging directly or indirectly into any activity which may amount to an offence inviting criminal prosecution. It also indicates that the applicant will continue the agitation “in a peaceful and democratic manner,” and “shall not indulge in any acts disturbing law and order across the state,” and “shall abide by all the conditions imposed by the honourable court.”
The PASS convener is facing two cases of sedition. One was lodged in Surat in October, 2015 for his alleged suggestion in front of camera to a supporter to kill a policeman or two rather than committing suicide. later on he was arrested in the case. Since then he is in a jail in Surat. Another case of sedition was lodged against Hardik and five others, including Chirag, Ketan and Dinesh Patel, by the crime branch of Ahmedabad police for his alleged involvement and plotting of violence post a pro-reservation rally on August 25 here. Recently court granted bail to Hardik’s close aides Chirag, Ketan and Dinesh on the condition that they would not indulge in any activities that will affect law & order situation in the State.