BJP TODAY

September 16--30, 2004 - Vol. 13, No. 18

“Strategist” Lalu gets whiplash from Supreme Court
Withdrawal of cases against Taslimuddin rejected
By our special correspondent

Lalu Prasad's efforts at "de-tainting" his fellow Tainted Minister Mohammad Taslimuddin came to a naught on Sept. 6 whtn the Supreme Court stayed the action of the trial court at Araria in north Bihar to agree to a plea by the State Government of Bihar to withdraw cases of attempt to murder and under Arms Act against this Union Minister.

Expressing surprise over "the unseemly haste" with which the case was sought to be withdrawn, the Supreme Court bench observed "Does it not show extraordinary interest on the part of the Government?"

The Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi had pleadeed for withdrawal of these against Taslimuddin on August 14 which were pending since 1996.

The Supreme Court bench consisting of Justices Santosh Hegde and S.B. Sinha Expressed surprise at the "mortal hurry" show by the State Government and the Public Prosecutor seeking a stay on the arrest warrant against Taslimuddin.

The Supreme Court was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the Delhi Study Group which argued that a prosecution under two Central Acts - the Arms Act and the Explosive Substances Act - could not be take by the sTate Government without the Centre's concurrence.

There are yet three Ministers in the Union Cabinet who are yet to clear themselves of the charges (Shribu soren and Taslimuddin have failed to do so). they are Lalu Prasad of the fodder scam fame, M.A.A. Fatmi and P.C. Gupta.