Varun agrees not to make provocative speeches

BJP leader Varun Gandhi, who is in detention under the National Security Act for his alleged hate speeches, today agreed to give an undertaking to the Supreme Court that he will not make any provocative speeches during his Lok Sabha poll campaign.

The suggestion that 29-year-old Varun should furnish an undertaking that he will not give any "provocative" speeches if granted bail came from a Bench headed by Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan.

The counsel appearing for Uttar Pradesh government and Varun agreed to the suggestion.  The hearing in the case was adjourned till April 16.

Senior advocate Harish Salve, appearing for Uttar Pradesh government and Pilibhit's District Magistrate, said that if Varun gives an undertaking to the Court that he will not create a volatile situation after being released, then it has no objection to his released on interim bail.

After getting nod of the state government, Varun's counsel and senior advocate Mukul Rohtagi said that the BJP leader would give an undertaking as suggested by the Court.

Rohtagi submitted that everyday counts for Varun who has to file the nomination papers from Pilibhit Lok Sabha constituency and also has to campaign.

After initial disagreement between Salve and Rohtagi as to whether the matter should be heard on Thursday, the court decided to hear it on April 16.

The date for filing the nomination papers for Pilibhit constituency starts from April 17.