A non-bailable warrant has been issued against Union Minister P. Balaram Naik and Congress MP S. Rajaiah by the IV Additional First Class Judicial Magistrate here.
The warrant was issued as they failed to appear for the hearing and also failed to file absence petition in a case relating to violation of the election code of conduct.
A case was registered against four persons during the Station Ghanpur Assembly by-election in February 2012 on the charge that the Congress candidate R. Pratap, MPs Rajaiah and Balaram Naik addressed a campaign meeting on the premises of a church at Station Ghanpur. The nodal officer, who was observer of the election process, complained that they undertook election campaign in the church.
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A case under Section 188 of IPC dealing with disobedience of orders promulgated by public servant and Section 3A of Religious Institutions Prevention of Misuse Act was registered against them. The hearing was scheduled for Wednesday but the accused failed to attend.
The court viewed the matter seriously and issued a non-bailable warrant against the duo. Case was also registered against Mr. Pratap and church pastor Jayaraj.
A recall petition was filed on behalf of the Congress leaders and the matter posted for hearing on August 1.
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