GUWAHATI/NAGAON, March 25 - In a major reprieve to Nagaon MP and Union Minister Rajen Gohain, the Gauhati High Court today quashed the criminal proceedings initiated against him in a molestation case.
The High Court, after hearing a criminal petition filed by Gohain, quashed the criminal proceedings initiated against him in PRC No 1781/18 under section 417/376/506 IPC pending before the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Nagaon and the order passed by the Chief Judicial Magistrate on November 16.
The FIR was lodged against Gohain alleging rape and other charges, and a criminal proceedings was initiated. Gohain filed the case before the high court and challenged the criminal proceedings and subsequent order passed by the Chief Judicial Magistrate. The CJM had rejected the final police report dated October 8, 2018 and took cognizance of the criminal proceedings under section 417/376/506 IPC.
Justice Suman Shyam, after hearing the criminal petition today, set aside the order passed by Chief Judicial Magistrate, Nagaon.
The high court ruling has paved the way for Gohain to contest the ensuring Lok Sabha elections.�
Interacting with the media, Gohain�said that he was ready to contest again from Nagaon if the party considers his nomination. He said that earlier he declined to contest in the ensuring parliamentary election as he was under trial in the case.
�The high court today dismissed the case. Now, it is up to the party leadership whether to nominate me or not,��he said.�
The BJP has not yet announced its candidate for Nagaon.
