Suspected Maoist ideologue Kobad Ghandy was on Friday absolved of serious charges under stringent unlawful activities law for being a member of the banned CPI (Maoist) by a Delhi court.

However, he was held guilty of residing in New Delhi using fake identities.The court held him guilty under various provisions of the IPC, including sections 120-B (criminal conspiracy), 420 (cheating) and 468 (forgery) and awarded him jail term which he has already undergone during adjudication of the case.

It noted that 68-year-old Ghandy was in custody for almost six years and six months during the pendency of case.

“Ghandy is in custody since December 20, 2009, which is almost six years and six months. I, therefore, impose upon him a term of imprisonment already undergone by him,” the court, while imposing a fine of Rs 40,000 on him, said.