A Correspondent in New Delhi: The Delhi high court is hearing today the petition of Gujarat government against Gujarat cadre police officer Kuldip Sharma against his promotion as director general. Sharma is a controversial officer who is fighting a fierce political battle with Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi.

The state government had jailed his brother, an IAS officer. Sharma is accused of being a "Congress stooge" by the Modi government. Sharma had managed to get transfer out of Gujarat some 18 months back. Then he was promoted as the DG, against which the Modi government has gone to court

The Modi government is wary of losing the case today. If Sharma's promotion is upheld, the option will be available to nominate him as a state in-charge in the crucial period of election.  

However, the temporary nomination is solely dependent on discretion of the Election Commission. But, if Sharma goes back to Gujarat as DG to oversee the election, the state will see huge confrontation between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and Sharma.