Former Chief Minister of Bihar Rabri Devi. file photo
Jagran correspondent, New Delhi. The CBI completed the arguments on the petition seeking transfer of former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi in the court of the Principal District and Sessions Judge located at Rouse Avenue in connection with the IRCTC hotel scam and four other cases.
Principal District and Sessions Judge Dinesh Bhatt, after hearing the arguments of the CBI, fixed the next hearing of the case for December 16, when the court will hear the arguments of Rabri Devi. In the petition, Rabri has demanded from the court of Special Judge Vishal Gogane to send the cases pending against him to another court.
Intention to tarnish the image of the judge
The CBI had argued in the case that the application was filed with an intention to influence the course of justice and tarnish the image of the judge and was clearly a case of forum shopping (deliberately choosing a particular court in the hope of getting the most favorable outcome in a legal matter).
CBI's argument was that Rabri Devi wanted to put pressure on the court because the proceedings were not going as per her wish. CBI argued that no accused can choose the court of his choice nor can he question any judge.
CBI's allegation, application filed for delay
CBI had also said that the real purpose of Rabri Devi's transfer application was to delay the case. According to law, the debate on framing of charges should be completed within a limited time, but in this case a lot of time has already passed.
Rabri Devi has demanded removal of four cases from the court of special judge Vishal Gogane. These include IRCTC scam case, land-for-job case and other related cases. Along with Rabri Devi, other members of her family are also accused in all these cases.