 "Fodder scam: SC pulls up ex-Bihar CM Jagannath Mishra for delaying CBI's plea")
The Supreme Court today pulled up former Bihar Chief Minister Jagannath Mishra for allegedly dragging and delaying the appeal filed by CBI challenging the quashing of four pending fodder scam cases against him.
A bench headed by Justice J S Khehar deprecated the delaying tactics adopted by Mishra, saying that it is very unfortunate and amounts to cheating the court.
"We deprecate such behaviour. You are intentionally delaying the proceedings. It is very unfortunate. It amounts to cheating the court," the bench also comprising Justices A K Misra and A M Khanwilkar said, when his counsel sought adjournment in the matter.
The CBI has challenged the 2014 order of the Jharkhand High Court quashing four pending fodder scam cases against him on the ground that a person convicted in one case could not be tried in similar cases based on same witnesses and evidences.
Mishra, a former Congress leader, now with the JD(U), was convicted by a trial court in 2013 one of the five fodder cases lodged against him.
However, the CBI has contended that though the cases have arisen from fodder scam, they are different in nature as different amounts were involved from different treasuries.
While posting the matter after four weeks, the bench said it is a "serious matter" and it was not happy with the manner in which the case has been adjourned on five occasions.
"We are very unhappy. You blame the Supreme Court for not deciding a case. This is not the first time when you are seeking adjournment. You have already taken adjournments on five occasions," the bench said.
The bench further said, "It's a serious offence. You are taking time. Why should we grant you more time? You are avoiding this court. We are entrusting you anymore."
The apex court adjourned the hearing after giving last opportunity to Mishra to file his response to the notice already issued two years ago.
A bench headed by Justice J S Khehar deprecated the delaying tactics adopted by Mishra, saying that it is very unfortunate and amounts to cheating the court.
"We deprecate such behaviour. You are intentionally delaying the proceedings. It is very unfortunate. It amounts to cheating the court," the bench also comprising Justices A K Misra and A M Khanwilkar said, when his counsel sought adjournment in the matter.
The CBI has challenged the 2014 order of the Jharkhand High Court quashing four pending fodder scam cases against him on the ground that a person convicted in one case could not be tried in similar cases based on same witnesses and evidences.
Mishra, a former Congress leader, now with the JD(U), was convicted by a trial court in 2013 one of the five fodder cases lodged against him.
However, the CBI has contended that though the cases have arisen from fodder scam, they are different in nature as different amounts were involved from different treasuries.
While posting the matter after four weeks, the bench said it is a "serious matter" and it was not happy with the manner in which the case has been adjourned on five occasions.
"We are very unhappy. You blame the Supreme Court for not deciding a case. This is not the first time when you are seeking adjournment. You have already taken adjournments on five occasions," the bench said.
The bench further said, "It's a serious offence. You are taking time. Why should we grant you more time? You are avoiding this court. We are entrusting you anymore."
The apex court adjourned the hearing after giving last opportunity to Mishra to file his response to the notice already issued two years ago.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
SAVE 25%
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Subscribe
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
SAVE 25%