SC reserves verdict on Pappu's bail plea

New Delhi, Oct 31 (UNI) The Supreme Court today reserved its verdict on the bail application of RJD MP from Bihar Rajiv Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav, who is facing trial for the murder of CPM activist Ajit Sarkar in broad daylight in 1998 in the state.

Pappu Yadav is presently lodged in Tihar Jail under the apex court's orders after he was caught on camera canvassing in the elections despite being in jail on paper.

Senior Counsel R K Jain appearing for the controversial MP submitted before the bench comprising Justices S B Sinha and Markandey Katju that his client was in jail for the last six years and two months and the prosecution has already examined all its witnesses in the trial court.

Mr Jain also contended that the rule was bail and not jail as laid down by the court in a number of judgements and during his stay in jail, his client had not indulged in any misconduct.

Additional Solicitor General Amarendra Saran, however opposed the bail contending that the petitioner did not deserve to be released on bail in view of his past conduct when he was found roaming freely in Bihar during elections while being in jail on paper, after his bail was cancelled by the apex Court.

A number of criminal cases are pending against Pappu Yadav in Bihar.

UNI AKS/SC MQA RP BS1725