Varun Gandhi, the BJP candidate for Pilibhit Lok Sabha constituency, is currently in the Etah jail.

Under rules, every detention under NSA has to be confirmed by the state government within 12 days. Since Varun was detained on March 29, the 12-day period ends on Thursday.

Although Varun’s lawyers have challenged his detention in the Supreme Court, Varun has not made any representation before the government so far, said a source. The Supreme Court will take up his case on April 13.

Sandeep Kapoor, one of his advcoates, said they were waiting for the hearing in the Supreme Court. “We will decide further course of action only after the hearing,” Kapoor said over phone from New Delhi.

Official sources said the government action shows its determination to pursue the matter to a logical conclusion despite criticism from various quarters.

Pilibhit District Magistrate Ajay Chauhan said the government order will be conveyed to Varun soon.

Sources said Varun can now make a representation before the NSA advisory board either through his lawyers or himself.