HC rejects Congress’ Election petition, slaps Rs 1 lakh fine

The Orissa High Court on Wednesday rejected the election petition filed by the defeated candidate and Congress leader from Titlagarh Assembly seat Surendra Singh Bhoi and also slapped a fine of Rs 1 lakh on him for non-cooperation in the trial of proceedings.

Bhoi had challenged BJD MLA Tukuni Sahoo’s victory from Titilagarh Assembly constituency in the 2014 general election. The Congress leader had demanded a by-poll alleging over massive irregularities in the process of election.

In February, the High Court had slapped a penalty of Rs 5,000 on Bhoi for failing to depose before the court during the trial of proceedings. Interestingly, the court had also slapped a fine of Rs 15, 000 on Sahoo in February this year for intentionally seeking to delay the hearing.