Lalu seeks transfer of case outside Bihar

New Delhi, May 11 (UNI) Railway Minister Lalu Prasad today pleaded before the Supreme Court for the transfer outside Bihar of a case relating to disproportionate assets.

Mr Prasad, former Bihar Chief Minister is facing trial in the case registered against him under the Prevention of Corruption Act, for acquiring assets beyond his known sources of income by through corrupt means, by misusing his official status.

Appearing for the Railway Minister, senior lawyer Ram Jethmalani pleaded for transfer of Mr Prasad's case outside the state of Bihar, contending that the PIL being entertained has been filed by a politician belonging to BJP which is now ruling the state and it would be ''suicidal'' for his client to face trial in Bihar, where he is certain to be convicted.

Adjourning the hearing to July 11, the apex court directed that it will hear the main petition filed by Rajesh Ranjan Singh Yadav alias Lallan, who has sought transfer of the case from the court of Special Judge Munni Lal Paswan.

Mr Jethmalani however, pleaded that Mr Paswan was a Dalit judge with an unblemished eighteen-year-long service record and there is no justification for withdrawing the case from his court.

Income Tax department had issued notices to Mr Prasad and his wife Ms Rabri Devi, former chief minister of Bihar.

Income Tax Appelate Tribunal however, quashed the notices and the government decided not to file an appeal against the tribunal order.

The Supreme Court has already summoned the High Court record, regarding the transfer of the previous judge in the case on promotion.

The SC has already indicated its mind that it was interested in getting the trial conducted by any judge other than Mr Paswan.

Mr Prasad has moved an application, seeking vacation of interim stay granted against the trial proceedings pending before the special judge.

UNI AKS/SC AD HT1727