NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday issued a notice to Uttar Pradesh government and Pilibhit district magistrate for invoking National
Security Act (NSA) against BJP leader Varun Gandhi in connection with his alleged hate speeches. ( Watch )
A bench headed by Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan posted the matter for hearing on April 13.
Earlier on Wednesday, Varun moved the Supreme Court challenging Uttar Pradesh government's decision to slap NSA against him. Varun alleged that it was done by the Uttar Pradesh government to "sabotage" his electoral debut.
"The entire attempt is a combined effort of the district magistrate of Pilibhit and Uttar Pradesh government to ensure that he is not able to contest and campaign for general electons scheduled for next month so as to sabotage his electoral debut," the petition filed on behalf of Varun said.
The 29-year leader, who sought release from the jail, said the detention order under NSA was passed with "political motivation" without following the due procedure.
He alleged there was a breach of peace on the day of surrender due to brutality and excesses by the police when he was going to surrender.
Varun Gandhi who has been shifted from Pilibhit district prison to high-security Etah jail has reportedly complained of "harsh" treatment meted out to him by the jail authorities here, saying he was being served food worse than what is given to animals.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said he found Varun's remarks to be "distasteful" and that he was both "disappointed" and "surprised" by them.
"It was a hate speech but it didn't threaten national security. I am sure there are other rules and other laws that could have been used," Omar added.
It was a hate speech but it didn't threaten national security. I am sure there are other rules and other laws that could have been used," Omar added.