Fodder scam: SC pulls up ex-Bihar CM for delaying CBI's plea

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday pulled up former Bihar Chief Minister Jagannath Mishra for allegedly dragging and delaying the appeal filed by CBI challenging the quashing of four pending fodder scam cases against him.

A bench headed by Justice J S Khehar deprecated the delaying tactics adopted by Mishra, saying that it is very unfortunate and amounts to cheating the court.

"We deprecate such behaviour. You are intentionally delaying the proceedings. It is very unfortunate. It amounts to cheating the court," the bench also comprising Justices A K Misra and A M Khanwilkar said, when his counsel sought adjournment in the matter.

The CBI has challenged the 2014 order of the Jharkhand High Court quashing four pending fodder scam cases against him on the ground that a person convicted in one case could not be tried in similar cases based on same witnesses and evidences.

Mishra, a former Congress leader, now with the JD(U), was convicted by a trial court in 2013 one of the five fodder cases lodged against him.

However, the CBI has contended that though the cases have arisen from fodder scam, they are different in nature as different amounts were involved from different treasuries.

While posting the matter after four weeks, the bench said it is a "serious matter" and it was not happy with the manner in which the case has been adjourned on five occasions.

"We are very unhappy. You blame the Supreme Court for not deciding a case. This is not the first time when you are seeking adjournment. You have already taken adjournments on five occasions," the bench said.

The bench further said, "It's a serious offence. You are taking time. Why should we grant you more time? You are avoiding this court. We are entrusting you anymore."

The apex court adjourned the hearing after giving last opportunity to Mishra to file his response to the notice already issued two years ago.