Poll plea against Jogi dismissed

Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, Jan 18 (UNI) The Chhattisgarh High Court has dismissed a petition, challenging former Chief Minister Ajit Jogi's election as MP from Mahasamund in 2004, for want of evidence.

Acting Chief Justice Lalchand Bhadu yesterday ruled that the petitioner submitted no proof that the District Returning Officer (DRO) Manohar Pandey indulged in malpractice by allegedly exceeding his brief by informing Mr Jogi of certain lacunae in his nomination papers.

Congress nominee Jogi's election was challenged by independent candidate Ganpat Sen who alleged that corrections were made in the papers after expiry of the 1500 hrs deadline for filing of nomination. Mr Jogi's intermediary was alerted over cellphone by the DRO, he added while pleading for annulling the former Chief Minister election.

The Election Commission and the Returning Officer were also made respondents.

Justice Bhadu reserved his ruling after conclusion of arguments on January 8.

UNI