HC stays SP MLA's arrest

Allahabad, June 6 (UNI) Allahabad High Court today stayed the arrest of a Samajwadi Party MLA asking the state government to file a counter affidavit in the case.

The allegation against SP MLA from Unnao Deepak Kumar was for excessive excavation of sand beyond the sanctioned limit.

Hearing his writ petition, a Division Bench comprising Justices K N Ojha and A K Rupanwal fixed July 9, 2007 for next hearing.

An FIR was lodged against the MLA on May 28 under section 4 [1][A] of the Mines and Minerals Act and Rules.

Appearing for the petitioner, senior lawyer S M A Kazmi pointed out that the FIR was lodged with non-compliance of statutory provision.

He argued the petitioner had been falsely implicated due to political motivation. He informed the court that Mr Kumar deposited royalty amount to the tune of Rs 10 lakh every year.

UNI