Gandhinagar, March 29: In a major setback to Congress leader Hardik Patel, the Gujarat High Court on Friday refused to stay the conviction of the Congress leader the in rioting case and leading and instigating a violent mob at Visnagar in Mehsana in 2015. As the High Court refused to revoke the conviction, Hardik Patel would not be able to contest Lok Sabha elections 2019. Hardik Patel Found Guilty in Case Related to 2015 Patidar Violence.

Patel, who joined the Congress ahead of the general elections had earlier expressed his wish to contest from Jamnagar. The defence and prosecution lawyers had already completed their argument on Thursday. Earlier this month, the Congress leader had moved the Gujarat High Court seeking suspension of his conviction in a rioting case. He had sought relief on the ground that he is an "aspiring candidate" to contest the Lok Sabha elections. Hardik Patel Breaks His 'Fast Unto Death' as Gujarat Government Remains Adamant.

In July last year, Patel, was convicted in Arson Case by the Visanagar Court. The Court had pronounced Patel guilty in a case related to vandalising BJP legislator Rushikesh Patel’s office in Visnagar during 2015 Patidar protests. The Congress leader, Lalji Patel and AK Patel were awarded two years imprisonment and a penalty of Rs 50,000 each in the Patidar violence case. Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, he joined the Congress on March 12.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 29, 2019 04:12 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).