Gujarat Government Withdraws 2018 Nikol Case Against BJP MLA Hardik Patel Over Patidar Protest

The Gujarat government has withdrawn an eight-year-old case registered against Viramgam MLA and BJP leader Hardik Patel in connection with a symbolic fast held during the Patidar reservation movement. The Ahmedabad District Court accepted the government’s plea, leading to the acquittal of Hardik Patel and other accused in the case registered at Nikol Police Station.

The withdrawal came a day after Hardik Patel’s birthday on 20 July, with the decision being described by some supporters as a political gift, though the government cited public interest and maintaining social harmony as the reason behind the move.

Case Linked to 2018 Patidar Reservation Movement

The case dates back to 2018, when Hardik Patel, then a prominent face of the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS), and other activists allegedly organised a symbolic fast without prior permission during the Patidar reservation agitation.

According to case records, PAAS activists, including Hardik Patel, had gathered at Dayavan Farm in Nikol on 19 August 2018 and held a protest demanding reservation for the Patidar community and a loan waiver for farmers.

Police alleged that the gathering and rally were organised without official permission as part of a pre-planned programme. The rally was stopped by police, following which a case was registered at Nikol Police Station.

Government Moves to Withdraw Case

The case was being heard in the Ahmedabad District Rural Court. After nearly eight years, the state government submitted an application seeking withdrawal of the case against Hardik Patel and other accused.

The government lawyer informed the court that the decision had been taken at the state government level. The application stated that:

• No physical or financial loss was reported during the incident.
• The withdrawal was sought in the public interest.
• The decision was aimed at maintaining peace and harmony in society.

After considering the government’s arguments and records of the case, the court observed that there was no evidence of any improper motive behind the withdrawal request.

Hardik Patel and Other Accused Acquitted

The Ahmedabad District Court accepted the government’s request and discharged Hardik Patel and other accused from the case.

The court noted that the decision was taken in public interest and subsequently ordered their acquittal.

Earlier Arrest Warrant Cancelled by High Court

This was not the first legal development in the case involving Hardik Patel. Earlier, an arrest warrant had been issued against him for failing to appear before the court.

Hardik Patel had challenged the warrant before the Gujarat High Court. The High Court cancelled the warrant after he gave an undertaking to appear in future court proceedings.

Hardik Patel, once a leading figure in the Patidar reservation agitation, later joined the BJP and is currently the MLA from Viramgam.