No SC relief for Hardik in sedition case

The Supreme Court on Friday refused to grant relief to Hardik Patel who challenged the sedition charges against him for allegedly inciting killing during the quota agitation in Gujarat.

A bench of Justices J S Khehar and R Banumathi directed the Gujarat Police to complete the investigation within one-and-a-half month in the sedition case and file a report before it in a sealed cover. It posted the hearing for January 5.

The apex court also directed the police not to file the charge sheet in the sedition case without its permission.

The sedition case was filed against 22-year-old Patidar agitation leader Hardik on October 18 after an FIR under various IPC provisions related to the offence of sedition, abetment of an offence, spreading rumour or false statement and criminal intimidation.