SC clears way for Sidhu to contest LS election from Amritsar

New Delhi, Jan 23 (UNI) Giving a major relief to cricketer-turned- politician Navjot Singh Sidhu, the Supreme Court today stayed his conviction in a road rage case, paving the way for his entry into the election arena in Punjab.

An elated Sidhu, who was immediately nominated by BJP President Rajnath Singh to contest the February 13 Amritsar Lok Sabha byelection, will file his papers tomorrow.

The Congress, meanwhile, decided to field Punjab Finance Minister Surendra Singla to contest against Sidhu in the prestigious byelection.

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President and former Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal welcomed the apex court's verdict, saying it had come as a morale-booster for the Akali Dal-BJP alliance in the state.

A Bench comprising X X X here pick up second para of DI 9 LAW-SC-SIDHU-STAY.

UNI