A Lucknow court sentenced Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Rita Bahuguna Joshi to six months' imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 1,100 for violating the code of conduct during the 2012 UP assembly elections. The court found Joshi guilty of holding a meeting in violation of the code of conduct on behalf of the Congress party during her candidacy for the Lucknow Legislative Assembly Cantt constituency.
The prosecution stated that on February 17, 2012, Joshi, as a Congress candidate, held a meeting in the Bajrang Nagar area of Krishna Nagar after the campaign time had ended. The prosecution alleged that she addressed a public meeting in violation of the code of conduct. Static Surveillance Magistrate Mukesh Chaturvedi recorded the violation on camera, leading to a report filed at Krishna Nagar Police Station.
Following a police investigation, a charge sheet was filed against Joshi on September 12, 2012. The court framed charges against her on February 20, 2021, under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code. After sentencing, the court took Joshi into custody, and she was later released on interim bail upon furnishing a bond of Rs 20,000 and surety.
Rita Bahuguna Joshi had left the Congress party and joined the BJP before the 2017 assembly elections.
(With Agency Inputs)
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