In a setback to BJP Lok Sabha candidate Varun Gandhi,Allahabad High Court turned down the plea for quashing an FIR against him for his alleged anti-Muslim speeches even as his counsel indicated that he is likely to challenge the order in the Supreme Court. "The petition stands dismissed," a division bench comprising justices Imtiyaz Murtaza and S C Nigam said in its order pronounced in a packed court room. 29-year-old Gandhi had challenged the FIR filed on March 17 at Pilibhit's Barkheda Police Station under Sections 153 A (promoting enmity between different groups on ground of religion) and 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by a public servant) of the Indian Penal Code and Section 125 of the Representation of the People Act. The charges entail a maximum punishment of three years jail term or fine or both. On whether the order will be challenged in the apex court,Varun's counsel Gopal Chaturvedi said outside the court,"I am sure they will,although it may not be necessary as far as the proceedings are concerned. "But I am sure when a petition is being filed,then everything that has been said against Mr Gandhi will be questioned before the Supreme Court," he said. Asked if Gandhi could be taken into custody,Chaturvedi said that arrest is a matter of satisfaction of the investigating officer.
