HC seeks MLA’s reply on plea against his election

Cuttack: The Orissa high court on Monday issued notice to former minister and BJD MLA Sarada Prasad Nayak to file a response to the election petition that challenged his election from the Rourkela constituency in the General Elections – 2024, results of which were declared on June 4.The single-judge bench of Justice Sashikanta Mishra issued the summon to Nayak while admitting a petition filed by former Union minister Dilip Kumar Ray (71) of BJP, who lost to Nayak by a margin of 3,552 votes. Ray sought court’s direction to declare the election of Nayak as void and asked for re-election or fresh poll for the Rourkela assembly constituency on the ground that he had suppressed information regarding his criminal antecedents and properties while filing nomination papers on May 3, 2024.Justice Mishra posted the matter to August 27 for hearing, along with Nayak’s written statement on affidavit on the allegation that the nomination papers filed by him were ‘inherently defective’ and liable to be rejected.During the preliminary hearing on Monday, it was argued on Ray’s behalf that non-disclosure or concealment of criminal cases pending against him and about his assets pertaining to immovable properties was suppression of facts, amounting to making false declarations. Therefore, Nayak was not entitled to contest the election for the above said suppression and false declarations in the affidavit filed, along with the nomination papers.In his petition Ray has alleged that Nayak had deliberately concealed that a criminal case against him was pending for trial before the court of subdivisional judicial magistrate, Panposh. Though Nayak had clearly disclosed his criminal antecedent with respect to this case when he filed his nomination papers during the general election in 2019, he suppressed this information while filing nomination this year.While the case was registered at the Sector 7 Rourkela police station on October 21, 2002, the magistrate court had framed charges against him on September 20, 2009.

Watch: Why did Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant pay gratitude to Cafe Mysore's owner Shanteri Nayak

Discover the highlights of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant's wedding, including their heartfelt gratitude towards Cafe Mysore owner. The viral video captures the couple's appreciation for the delicious South Indian cuisine served at the iconic Mumbai restaurant.

NEET-UG 2024 paper leak case: What Supreme Court said during hearing

Supreme Court instructs NTA to reveal NEET-UG 2024 results by July 20 while safeguarding aspirants' identities. Exam integrity under scrutiny. Stay updated on the latest developments.

Cong marches to file FIR against Sarang, demands his removal

State Congress leaders protest in Bhopal demanding action against former minister Vishwas Sarang. BJP criticizes Congress over police station incident. Police intervene to control the situation.

Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss daily games like Crossword, Sudoku, and Mini Crossword.