Prosecution in JMM bribery case illegal: Rao

Former prime minister P V Narasimha Rao on Tuesday contended before the Delhi high court that his prosecution in the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha MPs's bribery case was ''illegal'' as the chargesheet was filed when he was not a public servant.

Rao argued that even if it was assumed that he was a public servant at the relevant time, prior sanction should have been acquired before prosecuting him under the the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Senior counsel R K Anand, arguing Rao's case, contended before Justice Jaspal Singh that a member of Parliament or legislature does not hold any office, but only a seat in the House. Thus, he cold not be brought under the purview of Prevention of Corruption Act.

The court was hearing the revision petition filed by Rao and 15 others against the framing of charges by special CBI Judge Ajit Bharihoke under the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Anand argued that the trial court had given the judgment under the assumption that an MLA or MP is a public servant.

The trial court also did not find out if a sanction was required for framing charges against the accused and hence its judgment ''cannot be held proper''.

UNI

EARLIER REPORT:
Rao pleads Parliamentary immunity in JMM case