Court to hear plea against BJP leader Varun Gandhi on Saturday

A Delhi court would on Saturday, hear the case filed by an Islamic organisation against BJP leader Varun Gandhi seeking to bar him from contesting elections for his alleged hate speech against the minority community.

Additional senior civil judge Manoj Kumar deferred the hearing in the case after nobody appeared on behalf of Delhi-based Ittehade Mili Muslemin (IMM).

The IMM, in the civil suit, has sought a permanent injunction against Gandhi debarring him from entering the electoral process at least for next two terms.

The lawyer representing IMM, who was asked to cite case laws and legal provisions regarding its maintainability, did not asppear, after which the court adjourned the matter.

The chief election commisioner (CEC) has also been made a party in the case.

Citing the alleged hate speech of the 29-year-old BJP leader at Pilibhit in Uttar Pradesh on March 16, IMM  has accused Gandhi of violating the model code of conduct and abusing the Muslim community.

It also claimed the Delhi court has the jurisdiction to hear the case as the sentiments of Mulsims were hurt in the national capital also.