CBI Court Hears Argument On Sentencing Lalu Prasad In Fodder Scam

The Special CBI court on Friday heard argument on sentencing of RJD supremo Lalu Prasad and other convicted persons in a fodder scam case (RC64A/96) through video conferencing. The defense lawyers pleaded for leniency in punishment, saying Lalu was suffering from several diseases and was also 70 years old.

Lalu Prasad’s lawyer Prabhat Kumar said they mentioned before the court that Lalu has undergone heart surgery and is also suffering from diabetes and hypertension. However, CBI lawyers argued for maximum sentence saying that presently the inmates are being provided all medical facilities in the jail.

It may be noted here that Lalu Prasad is convicted under sections 120 B, 420, 467, 468, 471, 477 of IPC and sections 13 (2) read with 13 (1) (C) and 13 (1) (D) of the Prevention of Corruption Act. There is provision for life imprisonment under Section 467 of IPC.

The hearing on sentencing of several other convicted persons was also taken up on Thursday. Sources informed that the process would continue on Saturday as well. The judge would pronounce the punishment on Lalu Prasad and other convicts after completion of the argument on sentencing.

Earlier, lawyers from the defense and the prosecution sides came to the court of special CBI judge Shiv Pal Singh for the hearing around 2 pm. After about an hour of wait, they were informed that the procedure would take place through video conferencing.

Tight security measures were in place at the video-conferencing room for the hearing. Barring the defense and prosecution lawyers, no one else was allowed in.

Lalu Prasad’s lawyer later claimed that the CBI court would pronounce the punishment on all convicts through video conferencing on Saturday.