Kohima, Dec 8 (IANS): A court here has ordered Nagaland Chief Minister T.R. Zeliang to appear before it on January 7 in a case challenging his educational qualification.

Judicial Magistrate Tucuno Vamuzo on Monday issued the summons to the Naga People's Front leader.

A Nagaland resident, Maziezokho Nisa, filed a complaint under the Representation of People's Act, 1951, against Zeliang for allegedly making a false claim that he graduated from a Kohima college.

The court directive came after the registrar of the North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong, and the principal of Kohima College produced Zeliang's educational qualification.

The court noted: "The records show that Zeliang appeared in BA (Bachelor of Arts) exam in 1979, bearing roll number 598, but failed in all subjects. In 1980, there is no record showing Zeliang having appeared in BA exam under NEHU.

"Further, the records showed that Zeliang was enrolled as a student of NEHU in 1975-76, bearing registration number A0004.

"The court is inclined to take cognizance of the alleged offence, and in the interest of justice, the question of limitation period does not arise," the magistrate said.

In his nomination papers filed before the returning officer from Peren constituency, Zeliang allegedly said he obtained a Bachelor degree from Kohima College in 1980.

The Congress recently asked Nagaland Governor P.B. Acharya to set up an inquiry to verify Zeliang's claim.