In a stunning blow to BJP MLA and Patidar leader Hardik Patel, the Ahmedabad Rural Court has issued a second arrest warrant against him under Section 70 of the CrPC, after he once again defied court orders and failed to appear on September 10.

The case dates back to 2018, when Patel staged a fast in Nikol, Ahmedabad without police permission. A criminal case was registered, and the matter has been dragging on for years. Despite a warrant already being in place since August 29, Patel’s continued absence has forced the court to take an even harder stance.

Legal experts warn that this second warrant grants police direct authority to arrest Patel and present him before the court.

Senior advocate Jayant Desai minced no words: “This is a reminder that no one is above the law. Be it a legislator or a common man, disobedience of court orders invites strict action.”

The development has ignited a political firestorm in Gujarat. Opposition leaders are pouncing on Patel’s absence to question his credibility, while BJP insiders are maintaining an uneasy silence.

A political analyst from Ahmedabad noted: “Hardik Patel rose to fame as a fiery Patidar youth leader. But today, his repeated defiance of court orders puts his credibility and political future in jeopardy.”

The judiciary’s stern action also drew remarks from a retired judge, who said on condition of anonymity: “Issuing a second warrant signals zero tolerance for repeated non-appearance. The court will not allow even lawmakers to mock the legal process.”

With the second warrant now active, police have the green signal to detain Hardik Patel at any moment. Sources suggest Patel’s legal team may scramble for anticipatory relief, but the court’s patience is already wearing dangerously thin.