The Supreme Court today granted interim protection from arrest to Congress leader Hardik Patel in relation to case concerning violence during Patidar agitation of 2015..Patel had approached the Court against the decision of the Gujarat High Court denying him anticipatory bail in the 2015 case..The Bench of Justices UU Lalit and Vineet Saran today agreed to hear Patel's plea assailing the High Court decision, and issued notice to the State of Gujarat..Opposing Patel's plea and the Court's decision to grant him interim protection, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the Court that the interim relief was not required, considering the case dates back to 2015..Responding to Mehta's objection, the Court said that there was no harm in the authorities waiting another seven days, given that they have taken no steps since 2015..The Court has sought a report from the state regarding the registration of FIRs, arrests made, and bail granted in the case. The report is required to be filed by Monday. The Court will take up the matter for hearing on Friday..Patel was represented by Senior Counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi, while the State of Gujarat was represented by SG Tushar Mehta..In connection with the 2015 Patidar agitation, Patel was convicted in a case of rioting and arson by a lower Court in Mehasana, Gujarat, and was sentenced to two years' imprisonment..He had approached the Gujarat High Court seeking suspension of his conviction so that he could contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. This plea was, however, rejected by the High Court. He had moved the Supreme Court in appeal against this order..Hardik Patel moves Supreme Court seeking suspension of conviction to contest elections
