Varun Gandhi charged with inciting communal hatred during 2009 Lok Sabha polls

A local court in Pilibhit has framed charges against BJP MP Varun Gandhi in connection with the alleged hate speeches made by him during campaigning for the 2009 Lok Sabha polls.

Chief judicial magistrate (CJM) Ajay Krishna, while hearing the case yesterday, ordered the prosecution to produce witnesses while fixing July 6 as the next date of hearing.

The charges were framed against Gandhi under various sections of IPC including 505/2 (inciting communal hatred), 153 (a) (levelling allegations against specific community), 295 (a) (deliberate and malicious act intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religious beliefs).

Charges were also framed against Gandhi under People's Representation Act.

An FIR was registered against the BJP MP on March 17, 2009 on the orders of the Election Commission during Lok Sabha polls.

Gandhi surrendered in Pilibhit on March 28, 2009 and NSA was slapped on him on the next day. He was released on bail on April 16, 2009.