The Supreme Court on Tuesday stayed the conviction of Gujarat Congress leader Hardik Patel in a rioting and arson case registered in 2015 in connection with the Patidar protests.
The relief would pave the way for Mr. Patel to contest Assembly polls in Gujarat in December.
Mr. Patel said his aim was not just to contest elections but also to serve people.
A Bench led by Justice S. Abdul Nazeer recorded in the order, “Having regard to the facts and circumstances, we are of the view that this is the fit case for the High Court to have stayed the conviction. The conviction is, hereby, stayed until the appeals are decided accordingly”
The top court was hearing a plea filed by Mr. Patel against the judgment of the Gujarat High Court refusing to stay his conviction by a sessions court.
