SC declines urgent hearing on Hardik Patel's plea challenging HC order on nomination

SC declines urgent hearing on Hardik Patel's plea challenging Gujarat HC order which refused to stay his conviction in 2015 rioting case.

Patel had moved the apex court challenging the order of the Gujarat High Court which had in August 2018 suspended his jail sentence but not the conviction. On Friday, the high court had declined to cancel his conviction, as a result of which he had to move the apex court seeking a direction to suspend his conviction.

As per rules and the Representation of the People (RP) Act, a political candidate, who was convicted and facing a prison term of two years or more cannot contest the elections, unless the same is stayed by a court.