- The Orissa High Court has nullified the election of Mohammed Moquim, the Congress MLA representing Cuttack-Barabati constituency.
- The court’s ruling stemmed from Moquim’s failure to provide comprehensive information in his affidavit, about pending criminal cases against him.
- Initiated by a petition filed by a BJD leader in 2019, the legal challenge alleged that Moquim had deliberately omitted crucial details regarding criminal charges against him while filing his nomination papers.
- The petition underscored discrepancies in Moquim’s declaration of assets and liabilities, adding to the grounds for declaring the election null and void.
- Moquim attempted to thwart the election petition by filing an interim application for its dismissal, but the court rejected his plea.
- Though Moquim retains the option to appeal the High Court’s decision in the Supreme Court, the verdict underscores the judiciary’s commitment to upholding electoral integrity and accountability.
In a significant judicial decision, the Orissa High Court has nullified the election of Mohammed Moquim, the Congress MLA representing Cuttack-Barabati constituency. The court’s ruling stemmed from Moquim’s failure to provide comprehensive information in his affidavit, about pending criminal cases against him.
Initiated by a petition filed by BJD leader Debashish Samantaray in 2019, the legal challenge alleged that Moquim had deliberately omitted crucial details regarding criminal charges against him while filing his nomination papers. The High Court upheld this contention, ruling that Moquim’s suppression of material facts rendered his election void.
Furthermore, the petition underscored discrepancies in Moquim’s declaration of assets and liabilities, adding to the grounds for declaring the election null and void. The court meticulously considered 36 issues raised in the case, ultimately resulting in the vacancy of the Cuttack-Barabati Assembly Constituency until fresh elections are held.
Moquim attempted to thwart the election petition by filing an interim application for its dismissal, but the court rejected his plea, underscoring the gravity of the allegations against him.
It’s imperative to note that Moquim’s disqualification does not preclude him from contesting future elections. However, the ruling casts a shadow over his political career, emphasizing the importance of transparency and integrity in electoral processes.
This legal setback compounds Moquim’s troubles, as he previously faced conviction in the OHRDC loan scam, resulting in a three-year prison sentence and a hefty fine. Although granted bail by the High Court with a stay on his sentence and fine, the annulment of his election adds another layer of complexity to his legal predicament.
While Moquim retains the option to appeal the High Court’s decision in the Supreme Court, the verdict underscores the judiciary’s commitment to upholding electoral integrity and accountability. Meanwhile, the Cuttack-Barabati constituency awaits fresh representation, as the legal process unfolds and the path to new elections becomes clearer.
(With inputs from agencies)
