Hearing on Hardik Patel's bail applications adjourned to next month

The sessions courts in Surat and Ahmedabad on Wednesday adjourned the hearing of quota agitation leader Hardik Patel's bail applications till February 1 and February 2, respectively, after the police sought more time to file replies.

On January 22, Hardik, who is facing sedition cases in both the places, filed bail pleas after the charge sheets were filed.

During the hearing at Surat sessions court today, the crime branch sought more time to file reply, so Principal Sessions judge Geeta Gopi adjourned the hearing to February 1. In Ahmedabad, Additional Sessions judge N G Dave granted more time to Ahmedabad crime branch and adjourned the hearing till February 2.

Hardik and his five associates are charged under IPC section 124(A) (sedition), 121 (A) (conspiracy to wage war against the government) and 120 (b) (criminal conspiracy) in the case filed in Ahmedabad city.

In Surat, Hardik is charged under sections 124(A), 115 (abetment) and 201 (causing disappearance of evidence). The Ahmedabad sessions court today also granted interim bail to Ketan Patel, one of his associates and co-accused.

Ketan had sought bail for one month on the ground that he needed to take care of his son who is ill. Judge N G Dave granted him interim bail of five days from January 28. He will not be allowed to go home but two constables will take him to the hospital from the Sabarmati Central Prison at 9 am and bring him back at 5 pm during these five days.