The Election Commission on Tuesday sent a showcause notice to the Rashtriya Janata Dal for failing to file its annual audit report for the financial year 2014-2015, IANS reported. The poll panel said it had sent repeated reminders to the party to submit the audit report, which was supposed to be filed by October 31, 2015.

“The Election Commission hereby gives you a notice to showcause as to why action should not be taken against your party under Para 16A of the Election Symbol [Reservation and Allotment] order 1968 for failure to follow the lawful directions and instructions of the Commission,” the order read.

The Election Commission asked the Rashtriya Janata Dal, headed by Lalu Prasad Yadav, to submit a written representation detailing reasons for the default and the annual audit report within 20 days, PTI reported. The poll panel’s order was dated April 13.

“In case you fail to do so within the stipulated time, your party will be liable, without any further reference to you, for action under Para 16 A,” the Election Commission warned.

Under Para 16A, the Election Commission can suspend or withdraw recognition of a political party for its failure to adhere to the Model Code of Conduct or for failing to follow lawful directions and instructions of the Commission.