RAVI SINHA Vs. STATE OF BIHAR

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner herein is an accused in at least two cases, out of several cases registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation in the State Bihar, numbering about 41, in connection with what is commonly known as Animal Husbandry Scam. It is alleged that large scale illegal withdrawals of huge amounts took place from various treasuries of the Government of Bihar in relation to supply of fodder, medicines etc. to the department of Animal Husbandry and though payments were made, in fact the goods alleged to have been supplied were never supplied. Since the Central Bureau of Investigation (hereinafter referred to as the 'C.B.I.') has sought remand of the petitioner in at least two of the cases, we proceed on the basis that he is an accused in the two cases in which he has been remanded, though it is premature for us to say whether he is accused in other cases as well which are being investigated by the C.B.I, under the directions of the High Court and the Supreme Court.

(2.) The first case is Mango P.S. case No. 30 of 1996 which was instituted on 3.2.96 on the basis of a report submitted by the then Deputy Commissioner, East Singhbhum, Dr. Gorelal Yadav, The said case was being investigated by the State police, but after the orders of the High Court and the Supreme Court, the said case has been registered by the C.B.I, as R.C. 23 (A/96, Patna on 27.3.96. Before the Special Judge, the case has been numbered as Special Case No. 25 of 1996. This case shall be hereinafter referred to as the 'First Case.'

(3.) Similarly Mango P.S. case No. 43 of 1996 was also registered on 24. 2.1996 on the basis of report of the same Deputy Commissioner, East Singhbhum, Dr. Gorelal Yadav and the same has been numbered as R.C. Case No. 52 (A) of 1996, Patna, by the C.B.I, on 14.4.1996. Before the Special Judge, this case has been numbered as Special case No. 55 of 1996. For the facility of reference, we shall hereinafter, refer to this case as the 'Second Case'.