Chautala, son get 10-year jail term

In a judgment that could have far-reaching consequences in Haryana politics, a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court has sentenced five-time Haryana chief minister Om Prakash Chautala and his son Ajay Chautala to 10 years of imprisonment. Om Prakash Chautala, chief of the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), has decided to appeal against the decision in a high court.

The verdict led to Chautala’s supporters clashing with the police outside the court complex in Rohini, Delhi. They also used petrol bombs and crude bombs to attack the large number of policemen stationed at the court complex.

Anticipating similar reactions by INLD supporters in Haryana, Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has asked people to remain calm. “If anyone is not satisfied with the verdict of the court, he can appeal in a higher court,” he said.

The CBI court held Chautala, his son and 53 others, including senior Indian Administrative Service officers, guilty under sections of the Indian Penal Code that dealt with criminal conspiracy, cheating, forgery and using forged documents as genuine, as well as sections 13(1)(d) and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act in a case relating to illegal recruitment of 3,206 junior basic trained teachers. While pronouncing the sentence, special CBI judge Vinod Kumar said the accused had brazenly violated constitutional rights.

Chautala wasn’t present at the court, owing to ill health.

The court’s verdict could lead to disqualification of Chautala and his son as members of the legislative assembly (MLAs). INLD accounts for 30 of the 90 MLAs in the Haryana assembly. If the party is unable to contest elections in Haryana, it would be a straight contest between the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Meanwhile, INLD leaders have alleged the CBI was working for the Congress and the government was misusing the agency to target political rivals.

Today’s CBI court judgment drew reactions from various political parties. “It is a historic decision. It will set a good precedent and end corruption in the country,” said Kuldeep Bishnoi, member of Parliament from the Haryana Janhit Congress and son of former Haryana chief minister Bhajan Lal.