The Meghalaya High Court today imposed a fine of Rs 3000 on Baghmara MLA Kartush Marak for the failure of his lawyer to examine the witnesses in an election case filed against him by John Marak.
It may be mentioned that the High Court bench of Justice Hamarsan Singh Thangkhiew by its order passed on September 11 had specifically fixed today for recording of deposition of the election petitioner and the other witnesses.
On behalf of three witnesses, evidence on affidavits has been filed and with regard to the official witness, it has been submitted that oral evidence will be tendered for the examination in chief.
However, the MLA’s lawyer Y Pallavi filed an application for adjournment on the ground that she is not in position to conduct the cross examination today.
“Though it has been stated in the application that the reason for adjournment is that the evidence affidavits are not on record, it is not understood as to what prevents the learned counsel for the respondent from examining the three witnesses who are present in court today,” Justice Thangkhiew observed.
However, for the ends of justice, the judge adjourned the matter to November 11.
Justice Thangkhiew also said that as the adjournment has been sought at the last minute, the MLA has to pay a fine of Rs 3000 to be paid before the registry within one week.
The fine will be paid to the witnesses present today on behalf of the election petitioner at the rate of Rs 1000 each.
