Ahmedabad court frames charges against BJP MLA Hardik Patel in 2018 Patidar quota agitation case

A sessions court in Ahmedabad framed charges against BJP MLA Hardik Patel in a case related to the Patidar quota related agitation for holding a gathering where he went on a fast without police permission in Nikol area of the city in 2018. Patel was present in the court when the charges were framed against him.

The trial against Hardik is likely to commence soon in the coming days. 

Earlier he has failed to remain present before the trial court on hearing dates related to this case for several times.

Earlier in September 2025, the high court had quashed a non-bailable warrant against Viramgam BJP MLA Hardik Patel after he assured the court on oath, that he will remain present before the trial court on hearing date for the offence registered with Nikol Police Station in 2018. A Judicial Magistrate’s Court in Ahmedabad rural had issued a non-bailable warrant after he repeatedly failed to appear before the trial court.

Earlier, Patel had filed a discharge plea before the trial and sessions court which were rejected subsequently. He has also filed a quashing petition before the high court which is pending and hence the trial is on.

The other two accused in the case — Geeta Patel and Kiran Patel — have also filed discharge pleas before the court. 

A FIR was lodged against Hardik Patel during the Patidar quota related agitation for holding a programme without police permission in Nikol in 2018. He is facing charges for unlawful assembly, rioting and criminal conspiracy.