SC issues notice to Lalu, Rabri

Interference in investigation, trial alleged

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief and Railway Minister Lalu Prasad faced trouble from the Supreme Court today when one Bench issued notices to him and Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi on a petition seeking cancellation of their bail in a fodder scam case.

On a public interest petition moved by Sushil Kumar Modi Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP and Rajiv Ranjan Singh "Lalan", Janata Dal (United) MP, the Bench comprising Justice SN Variava and Justice HK Sema issued notices to Prasad and his wife.

They alleged that the couple were interfering in the investigation and trial of the multi-crore fodder scam cases. Notices have also gone to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the central government.

Senior advocate Mukul Rohtagi, representing the Opposition leaders, argued that since Prasad's party, the RJD, was a partner in the UPA government at the Centre, the minister was using his influence to weaken the investigation and prosecution of the case in various ways.

Investigating officers and public prosecutors were being moved out or replaced, thus delaying the prosecution.

He alleged that the income tax appellate authority at Patna set aside the claims of the revenue authorities against Prasad under suspicious circumstances. The court, therefore, issued notice to the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT).

"By virtue of the new political equations between RJD and the UPA government, Prasad, one of the main accused in the fodder scam cases, has now substantial administrative control and political say in the functioning of the government at the Centre and publicly claims to be in a position to destabilise it at will," he said.

"Succumbing to his pressures, the CBI and the CBDT have become party to an effort to shield Prasad and Rabri Devi in the fodder scam," they alleged.

The petitioners requested the court to monitor the trial of fodder scam cases and direct the CBI not to change the public prosecutors and investigating officers who have been dealing with the case for years.