Case against Sidhu for violation of model code of conduct quashed

The Patna High Court has given relief to cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu and dismissed the case filed against him during the last general elections on the charge of violating the standard election code of conduct. On October 12, 2020, Sidhu had approached the High Court challenging an order of the Additional Jif Judicial Magistrate of Katihar district. The lower court had taken notice of an FIR registered against him in the Barsoi police station during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. A case was registered under various sections regarding Sidhu’s speech in an election rally. High Court Justice Sandeep Kumar, in a December 19 order, said the lower court had issued orders “mechanically” and issued summons to the petitioner “without any thought”. “Therefore, this appeal is allowed and consequently the order of notice and the entire matter is set aside,” the court said in the judgment.