Rao files appeal against conviction in JMM case

NEW DELHI, OCT 23: Former prime minister P V Narasimha Rao, sentenced to three years’ rigorous imprisonment in JMM MPs bribery case, today filed an appeal against his conviction in the Delhi High Court. The court listed the matter for hearing tomorrow before single bench, headed by Justice R S Sodhi, who last week, had admitted for hearing an appeal by former Union Minister Buta Singh, also sentenced in the case to three years’ imprisonment by a special court here on October 13.

CBI counsel A K Dutt said that an advance copy of the appeal petition had been served on the agency.

Associates of Rao’s counsel R K Anand said the petition challenged the trial court order on the ground that the entire judgement was based on confessional statement of approver Shailendra Mahato, whose statement could not be relied upon. There was no other evidence against the former prime minister, they said.

Story continues below this ad

Buta Singh had also challenged the trial court order on the same ground.

While admitting Buta Singh’s appeal, the court had asked CBI to file its reply by November 7.