The Supreme Court of India will take up the CBI’s urgent plea in April against the controversial suspension of Lalu Prasad Yadav’s jail term in the infamous Deoghar treasury embezzlement case. The former Union Railway Minister and RJD supremo was convicted for orchestrating the fraud that drained Rs 89 lakh using forged documents.
Unpacking the scam: Between 1990 and 1994, funds meant for Rs 4.7 crore worth of veterinary supplies vanished through bogus bills presented at the Deoghar treasury. Special CBI Judge Vishal Tiwari handed down the 3.5-year sentence in 2017, accusing Yadav of abusing his position to stall investigations by withholding crucial files.
CBI lawyers, appearing before a bench led by Justice MM Sundresh on Tuesday, slammed the suspension as a miscarriage of justice, noting the accused’s freedom despite proven guilt. The court, critical of stalled prosecutions, ordered disposal of deceased defendants’ cases and set April for substantive arguments.
Yadav’s fodder scam convictions span five cases, including twin Chaibasa treasury frauds, Dumka, and Doranda treasury scams—each revealing a pattern of treasury raids disguised as livestock purchases. These scandals have defined his political career, leading to disqualifications and health-related bail grants.
Stakeholders await the verdict, which could force Yadav back behind bars or validate lower court leniency. This pivotal hearing underscores the judiciary’s role in combating entrenched corruption in India’s political landscape.