Iyer, in two emails to the Assembly Speaker and House Committee has sought apologies for his derogatory remarks and for not deposing before the panel on the scheduled date.

After chairing a House panel meeting today, committee chairman Narasingha Mishra informed that Mitra might have failed to appear before the panel due to cyclone in Odisha. However, the panel has decided to give him another opportunity.

Mishra said, “Odisha DGP has been asked to issue notice to Abhijit Iyer Mitra asking him to depose before the House Committee at 11 am on October 23.”

Notably, the House Committee was formed by Odisha Assembly on September 20, to probe and report on the derogatory remarks of Abhijit Iyer Mitra on Odisha, its culture, presiding deity and lawmakers.

Leader of the Opposition Narasingha Mishra was appointed as the chairperson of the six-member House panel while Debi Prasad Mishra, KV Singhdeo, Pramila Mallick, Arun Sahu and Sanjay Dasburma were appointed as members.

The House Panel had summoned Mitra to depose at 11.00 am on Oct 11 for the probe as to whether the criticism is breach of privilege of the House or the legislatures.

The House Committee will submit its report on the first day of the next session of the Odisha Assembly.