A court in Bhopal on Thursday, 27 December, issued a bailable warrant against BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra, accused in a case of violation of the model code of conduct in Madhya Pradesh.
Judicial Magistrate Prakash Kumar Uike issued the warrant against Patra as the BJP leader did not attend the court despite summons on Thursday.
MP Nagar police in Bhopal have filed a charge sheet in the case.
BJP leader S S Uppal, a co-accused, remained present and was given a bail on a personal bond of Rs 5,000.
What’s the Case About?
Police registered a case against Patra and others on a complaint filed by the Election Commission.
On 27 October, Patra held a press conference by the roadside in MP Nagar area in Bhopal, following which the Congress, which was then in the Opposition, filed a complaint of violation of the model code of conduct with the poll body.
EC officials said in the FIR that holding a press conference by blocking a road without due permissions was in violation of the poll code.
Organisers of the press conference had sought permission to hold it between 1pm and 3pm but held it earlier at 12 noon, which too was a violation, the EC had said.
The FIR did not have Patra's name initially. It was added later following a report from the returning officer.
The Congress ousted the BJP from power in the elections held in the state last month.
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