25 August 2023, Mumbai: In a recent development, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has raised objections in the Supreme Court over RJD supremo Lalu Prasad’s bail in a fodder scam case. The CBI has pointed out that Lalu Prasad was seen playing badminton after being granted bail on medical grounds. The relief given to the former Bihar chief minister is now being questioned by the investigative agency.
Kidney Transplant
Lalu Prasad’s counsel has responded by defending the bail, highlighting that he recently underwent a kidney transplant surgery. The former union minister’s legal team opposes the move to cancel his bail, emphasizing the medical aspects of his case.
The CBI’s plea to cancel Lalu Prasad’s bail specifically pertains to the Doranda treasury case, in which he had been sentenced to five years in prison. Additional Solicitor General S V Raju, representing the CBI, argued that the Jharkhand High Court’s decision to grant bail to the RJD leader was legally flawed.
Bail On health Condition
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, speaking on behalf of Lalu Prasad, countered the CBI’s application by emphasizing his client’s health condition following a kidney transplant surgery. Sibal mentioned that Lalu Prasad had already spent 42 months in custody.
S V Raju Oppose
S V Raju, representing the CBI, expressed concern over Lalu Prasad’s activities post his release on bail, stating that he was observed playing badminton. He pointed out that the high court’s decision was based on an incorrect assumption regarding the time spent by Lalu Prasad behind bars.
The Scam
Lalu Prasad Yadav’s legal battle continues as he faces multiple cases related to the Rs 950 crore fodder scam that occurred between 1992 and 1995 when he served as the Bihar chief minister and held key portfolios.
The scam involved fraudulent withdrawal of funds from different treasuries in Bihar and Jharkhand using fake bills and vouchers related to fodder, medicines, and artificial insemination. Lalu Prasad Yadav has been sentenced in five cases related to this scandal.
The case’s proceedings have been adjourned to October 17, with a bench comprising Justices AS Bopanna and M M Sundresh overseeing the matter.
CBI’s appeal seeking the cancellation of his bail
In response to the CBI’s appeal seeking the cancellation of his bail, Lalu Prasad Yadav has cited his poor health condition. He argued that keeping him in custody would not serve any purpose. The Jharkhand High Court had granted him bail on April 22, 2022, in the Doranda treasury embezzlement case.
Earlier in February 2022, a special CBI court in Ranchi sentenced the former Bihar chief minister to five years in prison and imposed a fine of Rs 60 lakh in connection with the fifth fodder scam case. This case pertained to the embezzlement of over Rs 139 crore from the Doranda treasury.As the legal battle unfolds, Lalu Prasad Yadav’s bail hangs in the balance while his health condition and legal arguments take center stage in the courtroom proceedings.