HC asks Election Commission to expedite case against BJD MP Achyuta Samanta

Cuttack: The Orissa High Court (HC) today directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to conduct expeditious hearing of a petition filed against BJD's Rajya Sabha member, Achyuta Samanta.

Hearing a petition filed by Right to Information (RTI) activist, Subhash Mohapatra challenging the election of Samanta to the Upper House, the HC stated that the matter does not come under its purview and therefore, it has asked the ECI to resolve the case.

Mohapatra had moved the HC on April 30 seeking invalidation of Samanta’s Rajya Sabha membership. He has alleged that criminal cases are pending against Samanta and the latter had concealed income-related information in his poll affidavit filed during nomination.

The Election Commission of India, State Electoral Officer and the returning officer for Rajya Sabha election have been made parties in the case.

Mohapatra had also filed nomination for Rajya Sabha membership along with Achyuta Samanta in March, but it was rejected.