Poll code breach case against Modi: police get more time to file reply

Ahmedabad: A local court today granted one week's time to the city police's crime branch, which probed the complaint of poll-code violation against the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to file a reply to an application filed by AAP member Nishant Verma.

Chief Judicial Magistrate A U Jhujharu of Ahmedabad rural court posted the further hearing on October 16.

Verma has filed an application demanding documents on the basis of which the police gave a clean chit to Modi. The crime branch had earlier asked for one week's time, today it sought a further week's time to file reply to Verma's application.

Verma, in his main application before the court, has sought additional charges against Modi in the case.

On April 30 this year, when the voting for Lok Sabha elections was underway across Gujarat, Modi addressed a press conference after he voted in Ranip area here. He also displayed his party's symbol, lotus.

On the directive of the Election Commission, the crime branch registered an FIR against Modi on the same day for violating election notification.
The crime Branch later filed a closure report on August 8 giving a clean chit to Modi.

Verma, in his complaint before the court, has demanded that Modi should be additionally charged under sections 130 of Representation of People Act and IPC sections 114 and 171 ©.

Under section 130 of the RP Act, a person is prohibited from canvassing for votes or exhibit any notice or signs relating to the election within the polling station on the day of polling. IPC section 114 is about the role of abettor while 171© is about interference with ‘free exercise of any electoral right'.