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New Delhi . On Monday, a petition of former Bihar Chief Minister, former Railway Minister and RJD President Lalu Prasad Yadav to quash the alleged land-for-jobs scam case was being heard in the Delhi High Court. Senior lawyer Kapil Sibal was appearing in the case on behalf of Lalu Yadav, while Additional Solicitor General (ASG) SV Raju was appearing on behalf of CBI, but something happened in the court room that both got entangled with each other and there was a heated argument between the two. Lalu Yadav had filed a petition in the High Court demanding quashing of the case of alleged land-for-jobs scam.
What was the dispute about?
During this, Kapil Sibal argued that prior permission (sanction) is necessary to prosecute in this case, which was not taken. He said that the CBI itself had earlier filed a closure report in this case, hence it is wrong to argue against the same now. On this, ASG SV Raju, appearing for CBI, objected to Sibal’s arguments and alleged that he was raising new issues and misinterpreting the law. ASG Raju said, “Sibal has argued on a new issue. I have to explain the correct law. Mr. Sibal gives misleading arguments and does not allow me to debate.”
Tension increased in the court, heated debate
Kapil Sibal got angry on this allegation of ASG Raju and he said sharply, “How dare you say that I have misled the court. I have never misled any court. You may be the Additional Solicitor General, but you are not a judge.” In response, ASG Raju said, “Yes, you have misled the court, this is my plea and I will tell how you misled and you are not letting me tell.” He said that it is his duty to present the correct law before the court and he stands by his word.
The judge intervened
During the debate, Kapil Sibal also raised questions on Raju’s professional dignity, due to which the atmosphere became more tense. However, ASG Raju said in a relatively calm tone that he respected Sibal, but it was necessary to clarify the legal position. Justice Rarvinder Dudeja, who is hearing the case, while handling the situation in the court room, said, “Let the atmosphere calm down a bit.” After this the court ended the hearing for the day.
What was decided next?
The High Court directed both the parties to file their respective brief written arguments. These arguments will be of maximum five pages and will have to be submitted within a week. After this the matter will be considered further.
What is the land-for-jobs issue?
The CBI alleges that between 2004 and 2009, when Lalu Prasad Yadav was the Railway Minister, land was taken in the name of his family and close people in exchange for Group-D jobs in the Railways. CBI registered a case in this matter in 2022 and later filed a charge sheet against Lalu Yadav, his family members and others. Lalu Yadav has argued in the High Court that this investigation was started without the prior permission required under the Prevention of Corruption Act, hence the entire case should be quashed.
