HC issues show-cause notice to BJD leader

The Orissa High Court today issued a notice to BJD leader Rabi Narayan Nanda asking him to show cause as to why criminal proceedings will not be initiated against him for submitting a "forged" document in the court in support of his evidence.
Nanda, who had challenged the election of Jeypore Congress MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati, had urged the HC in January this year to defer his appearance in the court as he was unwell and has been advised by the doctor for bed rest of at least six weeks.
In support of his claim, the BJD leader had also submitted a medical report from Jeypore Additional District Medical Officer (ADMO).

This, however, turned out to be problematic for Nanda because the concerned ADMO was a gynaecologist and Nanda claimed that he was indisposed as he had developed cardiac-related ailment due to hypertension.
Moreover, an ADMO is authorised to advice bed rest to a patient for only two weeks.
Bahinipati's counsel submitted evidence in the court showing Nanda arranging and attending political meetings for hours together at his native place in Jeypore during the period he claimed to have been advised by the doctor to take bed rest.
Taking exception, Justice Biswnath Rath issued the show-cause notice to the BJD leader and adjourned the matter to be heard again after two weeks.

Justice Rath had in November last year imposed a cost of Rs 5000 on Nanda for filing an amended petition to his original petition after the stipulated deadline.