MCC Violation Case | BJP MP Rita Bahuguna Joshi Sentenced To 6 Months In Jail By Lucknow Court

A Court in Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow district last week sentenced Bharatiya Janata Party MP Rita Bahuguna Joshi to six months imprisonment after finding her guilty of violating the code of conduct during the 2012 UP assembly polls.

Additionally, a fine ₹1,100 has also been imposed upon her.

Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (MP-MLA Court) Ambrish Kumar Srivastava convicted Joshi, presently serving as an MP from Prayagraj, for holding a meeting in violation of the code of conduct while contesting UP Assembly polls as a Congress party candidate.

It was the prosecution's case that on February 17, 2012, at approximately 6:50 pm, Joshi engaged herself in campaign activities in the Bajrang Nagar area of Krishna Nagar (in Lucknow), contravening the prescribed code of conduct. The prosecution further claimed that Joshi conducted a public meeting even after the designated campaign period had concluded.

Following a police investigation, a chargesheet was filed against Joshi on September 12, 2012. She was formally charged under section 188 of the Indian Penal Code in February 2021.

After sentencing her to 6 months imprisonment, Joshi was taken into custody but was later granted interim bail on a bond of ₹20,000 along with surety.