Expressing displeasure over the conduct of BJD leader and former Minister Rabi Narayan Nanda, the Odisha High Court on Monday imposed a fine of Rs10,000 on him. “For repeatedly delaying the court proceedings by filing prevaricated pleas and submitting a forged document as evidence, the High Court rebuked the BJD leader, who has challenged the election of Jeypore Congress MlA Tara Prasad Bahinipati,” Bahinipati’s counsel Pitambar Acharya.
Seeking to be examined as the last witness in his case, Nanda had told the court in January that he was unwell and has been advised by doctor for six weeks’ bed rest. He had submitted a medical certificate, which turned out to be a forged document. While a show-cause notice was issued to Nanda for misleading the court that would come up for further hearing at a later date, Justice Biswnath Rath dismissed his sickness plea and slapped the fine during his presence in the courtroom.
Nanda had earlier been fined Rs5,000 by the court for a procedural mistake. Soon after the dismissal of his plea, Nanda’s examination-in-chief was conducted by the court. He was then cross-examined by Bahinipati’s counsel for over three hours and it would continue on Tuesday as the cross-examination remained inconclusive.