The Gujarat High Court on Monday rejected Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislator Chaitar Vasava’s plea seeking bail and the suspension of his seven-year jail term following his conviction for extortion and assault of forest officials in Narmada district.
The court also noted that Vasava was earlier convicted in a case registered at Dediapada police station and was released on probation for two years on a condition to maintain good conduct. “The conduct of the applicant-accused Chaitar Vasava, prima facie, reflects his disregard for law and the orders passed by the competent courts. The high court stressed that holding a high public office did not confer any immunity from the operation of law.
It further indicates, at least prima facie, his tendency to respond to opposition or criticism with physical assault and violence, thereby creating an atmosphere of fear,” the high court said in its 70-page order. The FIR was registered on November 2, 2023 and the charge sheet was filed on January 30, 2024. The charges were framed on August 7, 2025 and 17 prosecution witnesses were examined during the trial.
The court said such conduct was “not befitting a sitting Member of the Legislative Assembly who represents a law-making institution. “Such office can neither be regarded as an authority to indulge in criminal activities nor be utilised as a shield against the legal consequences flowing therefrom,” the court said in its order. The court said that during that probation period, Vasava was involved in seven other offences, including the present case. The court also said that granting suspension of sentence and bail in such circumstances “may create a perception in the society that persons in power are beyond the reach of law.”
