Police had booked Lalji Patel and 36 others on charges of attempt to murder, rioting and also under Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act. (PTI photo)
A court in Mehsana today granted bail to Patel quota movement leader Lalji Patel who was arrested after an agitation organised by him on April 17 turned violent.
Sessions judge DY Patel granted Patel bail with a surety of Rs 15,000 and on condition that he will not indulge in activities which can threaten the law and order.
Mr Patel was arrested on May 3 this year.
Lalji Patel's Sardar Patel Group is demanding reservation for Patel community along with Hardik Patel-headed Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS).
The 'courting arrest' (jail bharo) agitation by Sardar Patel Group on April 17 had turned violent at Modhera crossroads in Mehsana. Police lathicharged as the agitators pelted them with stones.
Police had booked Mr Lalji Patel and 36 others on charges of attempt to murder, rioting and also under Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.
After coming out of the Sabarmati Central Jail in Ahmedabad, Mr Lalji Patel told reporters that he will continue to fight for the Patidar community.
"I have full faith on India's judicial system and therefore I believe all those who were jailed while fighting for the community will be released soon. We have been fighting for the Patidar community and will continue to work for the community," he said.
To a question, he said he would not join politics.
"We have been working with Sardar Patel Group for the last 17 years but I never indulged in politics," he said.
"Our talks with government for reservation will continue," he added.