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Synopsis

The Bombay High Court has issued summons to BJP MP Narayan Rane in a petition filed by UBT Shiv Sena's Vinayak Raut, challenging Rane's victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

A single judge bench of the High Court, comprising Justice S.V. Kotwal, issued the summons in accordance with the Representation of the People Act.

Narayan Rane was declared the winner in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from the Sindhudurg district by a margin of 448,514 votes

The petition stated that during campaigning Rane said that "In case we will not get lead as expected, I will provide budget in accordance with the votes gained in our favor and I will take account and audit from all the village Sarpanchas" 

According to Raut this amounted to corrupt practices under the Representation of People's Act. 

The plea also stated that under section 126 of the Representations of the People Act 1951 the campaign or election related activities are supposed to be halted 48 hours before the elections known as the 'silence period' or 'pre-election silence'.

However, during the silence period also the campaign was conducted by Rane and his political campaigners which is clear violation of the statutory provision as well as the Code of Conduct.

Raut has sought to declare the victory of Rane as null and void. 

He has also sought an interim order seeking to restrain Rane from acting as MP.