SC asks ECI to take call on poll funding case against CM Naveen

Bhubaneswar: The Supreme Court (SC) today denied to hear the case alleging poll irregularities against Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik and said that the Election Commission of India (ECI) will now take a final call on the case.

During its hearing, the apex court ruled that it is now on the ECI to decide whether the case would be transferred to the Delhi High Court or not.

"The ECI replied in positive to the court when it was asked if it is ready to take action based on the complaint. After that, the SC disposed off the case stating that EC will decide further," said SC lawyer, Narendra Hooda.

Also Read: Poll irregularity case: SC relief for Das Burma

RTI activist Subash Mohapatra had filed a petition in Orissa High Court in July alleging discrepancies in statement of accounts and expenses submitted by CM Naveen after the 2014 general elections.

However, a judge of the HC, who was scheduled to hear the case related to the alleged poll fund irregularities, refused to hold trial and requested the Chief Justice to set up a separate bench for hearing. It is believed that a fresh petition submitted by petitioner Mohapatra in Supreme Court made the HC judge deny trial as it questioned his integrity.

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