The Mangalore court hearing the bail plea of Karnataka Bajrang Dal leader Mahendra Kumar will pass orders on Monday. The magistrate who heard arguments advanced by both sides adjourned the matter to Monday.

Mahendra Kumar who had been arrested in Mangalore for his alleged role in the violence had moved the court for bail.

His counsel PP Hegde argued that the centre had unecessarily put pressure on the state to arrest his client by issuing an advisory. Hegde also said that a false case had been registered against his client.

The prosecutor however opposed the bail plea stating that Kumar remain in judicial custody in the interest of peace and harmony of the state.

Kumar who was produced before the magistrate on Friday night was remanded to judicial custody till October 1.

'Ensure reconversions aren't forced'

The Bajrang Dal chief was picked up by the police under provisions of Section 153A of the Indian Penal Code. The section deals with promoting enmity between different groups on ground of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony.

Centre to warn Orissa, Karnataka under Article 355

Kumar's arrest was politically-motivated, Bajrang Dal chief Vijay Shetty said, questioning as to why the Union government had not reacted when Bangalore was attacked by terrorists or even when the temples at Hampi were damaged by miscreants.  

"Why is such a big issue being made out of the Mangalore incident when the protest was against forcible conversions, which is opposed to the law of the land?"

Shetty said the Bajrang Dal had not decided on whether or not to stage a protest against the arrest. We are in constant touch with state leaders and will decide on the future course of action after we meet later during the day, he added.