Vijayawada: In a relief to Tollywood actor Allu Arjun, Andhra Pradesh high court on Friday stayed all further proceedings in the FIR registered by Nandyal police for the alleged violation of the model code of conduct during the recently concluded general elections. The HC stated that it would pronounce the orders on November 6.
Arjun, along with former YSRCP MLA Ravichandra Kishore Reddy, moved the HC seeking to quash the case registered against them following a complaint by Nandyal deputy tahsildar. In the complaint, it was alleged that Arjun came to Nandyal without obtaining permission from the returning officer. It was stated that people gathered in large numbers at the house of Kishore Reddy. The congregation of people without permission is a violation of the model code of conduct and disobedience of orders issued by the authority.
Arguing on behalf of the petitioners, Y Nagi Reddy said that Arjun’s visit to Nandyal was purely a personal affair and had nothing to do with the election. Arjun cannot be held responsible for the gathering of people at the house of Kishore Reddy. When the gathering was not organised for the purpose of an election campaign, the question of violation of the model code of conduct does not arise, he said, adding that the complaint by the deputy tahsildar is invalid.
The assistant public prosecutor said that the police have already filed a charge sheet in the case and are waiting for it to be numbered.
Justice VRK Krupa Sagar asked whether the quash petition can be decided at this stage after the filing of the charge sheet. Nagi Reddy told the HC that the trial court is yet to take cognizance of the charge sheet and sought immediate relief to stay all further proceedings based on the FIR.
Justice Krupa Sagar posted the matter for the pronouncement of judgment on November 6 and stayed all further proceedings in the matter until then.
