Court issues arrest warrant against Boudh MLA Saroj Kumar Pradhan

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Boudh: Boudh Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate (SDJM) court has reportedly issued arrest warrant against Boudh MLA Saroj Kumar Pradhan in election affidavit case.

It is to be noted here that former Odisha Assembly Speaker and Boudh MLA Pradip Kumar Amat had filed a petition in the court alleging that Pradhan had given incorrect information in his affidavit during 2024 Assembly elections.

After accepting Amat’s petition, the court had issued a notice to the Boudh MLA directing him to appear before it and keep his statement. However, challenging the notice, the legislator had moved the Orissa High Court.

The SDJM court had reportedly granted 12 weeks of time to Pradhan. However, it is reported that even after the end of this timeframe, he failed to appear before the SDJM court and repeatedly sought extensions. Following which, the lower court issued an arrest warrant against him yesterday.

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Reacting over the arrest warrant, Pradhan stated that since the matter is currently sub-judice in the High Court, the trial court ought to abide by the High Court’s order. Citing Article 141 of the Constitution, he asserted that a stay order from the High Court is in effect.

Explaining that he could not appear in court due to the ongoing Assembly session, the MLA added that the High Court would be apprised of the situation once the copy of the ADJ court’s order is received, and further legal steps would be taken accordingly.

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