Relief for Lalu Prasad, SC willing to transfer fodder case to another judge

NEW DELHI: Offering a breather to Lalu Prasad, the Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed in principle with the RJD chief for transfer of the fodder scam trial to another judge in Ranchi.

Lalu Prasad had alleged that the trial judge was a relative of a minister in rival Nitish Kumar government.

The next hearing in the case will take place on August 6.

The SC said that on August 6 it will transfer the fodder scam trial to a new bench and will fix a time limit for its completion.

The RJD chief, who along with the other accused was put on trial 11 years ago, has raised questions on the impartiality of special CBI judge P K Singh, alleging that he is biased as he is a relative of P K Shahi, the education minister in the government of Nitish Kumar, whom he termed as his "biggest political enemy".

Agreeing to hear the plea of the former Bihar chief minister, the apex court on July 9 had said that the issue raised by him requires examination and issued notice to the state of Jharkhand and the CBI, which is investigating and prosecuting agency in the fodder scam.

Senior advocate Ram Jethmalani, appearing for the RJD supremo, said that there is apprehension of bias as the judge is related to a minister in the government of Nitish Kumar, "who is his (Yadav's) biggest political enemy".

(With inputs from PTI)