Indore: Congress leaders, who have filed a case against Bollywood actor and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from Bikaner Dharmendra on the issue of his second marriage with actress and Rajya Sabha member Hema Malini, today (Apr 21, 2004) urged the Election Commission (EC) for an early hearing in the case.

Demanding cancellation of nomination of Dharmendra and also cancellation of the Rajya Sabha membership of Hema Malini, Congress leaders Akthar Beg and K K Mishra, in a faxed message have urged the EC to hear the case early in view of involvement of legal/constitutional issues like model code of conduct, Indian Constitution and beliefs of Hindus and Muslims.

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Since the polling in the particular constituency is nearing, it would be proper if hearing and its results are made public soon, said the message, copies of which were released to the press.

"The silence of Dharmendra on the issue of his marriage with Hema Malini and whether they were actually married and if yes, then what were the traditions and culture followed by them, are a matter of concern," it said.

"Secondly, whether the candidate has filled the column in the nomination form about the number of children he has (by both wives). If he has hidden even this information, then it is also a serious crime and violation of model code of conduct," it said.

In view of the above fact the EC, after scrutiny, can direct concerned officials to take necessary action against Dharmendra, the Congress leader said.

A case has also been filed by Congress in this regard in a court in Indore, which will debate the issue tomorrow.