Setback for Laloo as HC rejects plea

Today’s order technically clears the way for the CBI special judge in Patna to deliver the verdict in the case in which the couple has been charged with amassing assets of Rs 46 lakhs—between 1991 and 1997.

But the promotion and transfer of special judge Yogendra Prasad is likely to further delay the verdict. Prasad has been appointed as District Judge of Munger—the new CBI judge is yet to be appointed.

Meanwhile, Laloo said that he would challenge today’s ruling in the Supreme Court, saying, ‘‘These are all old stories and old cases. What is new? I will talk about it later.’’

The Laloo-Rabri petition was unanimously dismissed by a full bench of the High Court, comprising Justice R N Prasad, Justice Barin Ghosh and Justice M L Visa. Justice Prasad didn’t elaborate the grounds on which the one-line order was based.

Laloo and Rabri had challenged the prosecution sanction on the grounds that the Governor could act only on the Cabinet’s recommendations, which was not the case in this instance.

Laloo and Rabri are being represented in the case by P P Rao with Additional Solicitor General Mohan Parasharan appearing for the CBI and P K Shahi for JD(U) MP and intervener petitioner Rajiv Ranjan Singh.