Poll code violation: EC notice to union minister Balram Naik

Poll code violation: EC notice to union minister Balram Naik

The Election Commission has issued a show cause notice, returnable by 11 a.m. on Monday (October 28), to Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment P. Balram Naik for alleged violation of poll code in force in Madhya Pradesh.

In a notice issued to the minister on Friday, the Commission said that Mr. Naik had announced a grant of Rs.10-20 crore for construction of hostels for the OBC students when he was addressing a political gathering on October 16 at the Pradesh Congress Committee office in Shivaji Nagar area of Bhopal.

"If no reply is received within the prescribed time limit, it will be presumed that you have nothing to say and the Commission will proceed to take appropriate action without any further reference to you," the notice said.

The poll to the 230 member Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly is scheduled for November 25 and the poll notification will be issued on November 1.

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Solar scam: Kerala HC grants bail to Saritha

Solar scam: Kerala HC grants bail to Saritha

The Kerala High court on Friday granted bail to Saritha S. Nair, an accused in the solar panel scam.The accused was given bail in two cases registered in Ernakulam North Police station.

However, since there are other cases pending against her, Ms. Saritha will remain in jail.

Justice Thomas P Joseph directed the accused to deposit Rs. 5 lakh each in both the cases and produce fixed deposit receipts before the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate court (Economic offences) court here.

The court also said if finally compensation is awarded by the court after trial, this amount can be utilised.

The accused has been directed not to leave the state and to surrender her passport. Saritha has also to execute a bail bond of Rs. 15,000 and two solvent sureties for the like amount.

Ms. Saritha was arrested on June 3 and is in custody since then.

The solar scam pertains to duping of scores of investors to the tune of crores of rupees by the accused by promising solar panel solutions by claiming that they had contacts with highly-placed persons in the government.

According to the two complainants, Ms. Saritha had collected Rs. 17.5 lakh and Rs. 23.5 lakh from them promising them dealerships in the solar company. She has returned Rs. 6.5 lakh to one of the complainants.

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