Gujarat HC asks Hardik's lawyer not to make more allegations

Ahmedabad, Sep 29: The Gujarat High Court today asked Patel quota agitation leader Hardik Patel's lawyer not to make further allegations which may aggravate the situation in the state and sought another shorter affidavit to substantiate Hardik's claims about alleged abduction.

Hardik's lawyer B M Mangukia today filed a detailed affidavit making more allegations against the state. But the division bench of Justices M R Shah and K J Thaker said the allegations and counter-allegations were not desirable.

Two aides of Hardik had filed a habeas corpus petition when he had gone missing after a public meeting at Tenpur village in Bayad tehsil of Aravali village on September 22.

The 22-year-old leader of Patels' agitation surfaced on September 23 and alleged that he had been abducted by "a person looking like cops."

"Petitioners have filed an affidavit-in-rejoinder. It contains further allegations against the state administration. It was suggested to the petitioner's advocate B M Mangukia to file a short affidavit in the habeas corpus petition and avoid any allegations and counter allegations," the HC today said.

"He (Mangukia) took suggestions in right spirit and he takes back the affidavit and will file a short affidavit to substantiate his claims in the petition," said the HC order.

"It must be ensured that no allegations or counter- allegations are made which might aggravate the situation." When Hardik appeared before the court following his `abduction' and release, the judges had expressed doubts about his claims, and asked his lawyer to file an affidavit to substantiate the allegations.

Advocate Mangukia today said during the arguments that he was ready to withdraw his allegations and he had never said that the police had abducted Hardik.

PTI