NEW DELHI
The Supreme Court today denied bail to Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Parsad Yadav. The CBI had argued that he would immediately take to political work if he was given bail.
Lalu is serving jail time after being convicted in fodder scam cases.
His lawyer, Kapil Sibal, said Lalu Yadav was given a 14-year sentence and not 25 years, and he is not “running away”.
To this, Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi replied, “Whether it is 25 years or 14, the High Court will decide. We can ask the High Court to expedite the cases against politicians.” The court told Lalu Yadav he has so far served only 24 months against his 25-year conviction.
Mr Sibal asked what could be the danger if Lalu Yadav was released on bail, to which the court replied, “There is no danger, except you are convicted. We don’t think we can grant bail. Petition dismissed.”
The Central Bureau of Investigation on Tuesday had said Lalu Yadav must not be allowed any reprieve to pursue his political activities.
In an affidavit to the Supreme Court, the CBI said the Bihar politician’s “nefarious act” as chief minister of a state shook the conscience of the entire nation, and he was “misleading the court by asking for bail on medical grounds” as he wanted to play a part in the Lok Sabha elections.