In a major setback for Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Dediapada MLA Chaitar Vasava, a court in Gujarat's Narmada district has sentenced him, his wife, and seven others to seven years in prison for assaulting forest department officials and obstructing government work.
The Rajpipla Sessions court convicted Chaitar Vasava, his wife, and the other accused, sentencing them to seven years in prison. In addition to the punishment, the MLA and his wife were also fined Rs 96,000 each. The court's decision has caused a stir in Gujarat's political circles.
What Is The Case About?
The dispute began when forest department employees were carrying out official duties. It is alleged that a total of nine people, including Chaitar Vasava, his wife and supporters, got into an argument with forest officials near the MLA's residence, which later turned violent.
The MLA and his associates faced serious charges, including assaulting and harassing government employees (forest staff), obstructing government work, and allegedly firing in the air to intimidate officials.
Following the incident, police registered a case, after which Chaitar Vasava spent a considerable period in jail. He was later granted bail. The court has now handed down the sentence after accepting the witnesses' statements and the evidence presented in the case.
MLA's Membership Under Threat
According to Supreme Court guidelines, if any MP or MLA is sentenced to two years or more in prison, their membership of the House is immediately revoked. Since Vasava has been sentenced to seven years, the risk of losing his Assembly membership has increased significantly.
Following the court's decision, Chaitar Vasava's legal team immediately became active in an effort to save his MLA position and avoid jail time. His lawyers are preparing to challenge the verdict in the Gujarat High Court. They are also expected to seek a stay on the sentence and continuation of his bail.
Legal experts say that only if the High Court stays the sentence can Vasava retain his MLA membership.