Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
The UP government has approved the prosecution of the Pilibhit MP, Mr Varun Gandhi, for his alleged hate speech during the 2009 Lok Sabha election campaign, a senior official said Friday.

�The government gave prosecution sanction against BJP MP Varun Gandhi on November 30 on an FIR registered against him at Kotwali police station in Pilibhit district last year,� the secretary (home), mr Deepak Kumar, said.
T
he prosecution sanction was given under various IPC Sections � 153A (promoting enmity between different groups on ground of religion), 295A (deliberate and malicious act intended to outrage religious feelings) and 505(2) (statement conducing to public mischief) � and the Representation of the People Act.

Mr Kumar said the sanction has been given in the case relating to the speech given by Mr Gandhi on March 7, 2009.

During Lok Sabha poll, Mr Gandhi, who was contesting from Pilibhit constituency, allegedly gave hate speeches in election rallies at Mohalla Dalchand and Barkhera town on March 7 and March 8.

Taking cognisance of the two incidents, the Election Commission had then directed the Chief Electoral Officer of UP and the district magistrate to initiate criminal proceedings.

Later two separate FIRs were lodged against Mr Gandhi on March 18 and March 19 in this connection and he was arrested.