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People hassled by Laloo's court appearances

Soroor Ahmed in Patna

Laloo Yadav's case is unique. While judge S K Lal of the special Central Bureau of Investigation court has asked him to appear for every hearing, lawyers, their clients and other undertrials want just the opposite.

Reason: his appearance disrupts their work schedule, besides causing them undue harassment. Their worst nightmare came true last week when Laloo appeared on all working days. When his wife, chief minister Rabri Devi accompanies him, the court comes to a virtual standstill.

Security personnel lay siege to the district court building, where the court is, and entry points are sealed. Even journalists face problems in reaching the courtroom. The lucky few narrate proceedings to those who couldn't make it past the security.

On April 5, Laloo and Rabri surrendered before the court. Due to security arrangements, senior Indian Administrative Services officer Sajal Chakrovarty was prevented from entering the court campus. Admonishing the policemen, he insisted on entering without disclosing his identity. He ended up being beaten up by security personnel.

The senior superintendent of police and district magistrate recognised him and he was rescued. Sajal is an accused out on bail in the animal husbandry scam case and had come for a hearing.

Lawyers complained that it was not only security which was a problem. Harinandan Singh, a lawyer told rediff.com that lawyers of the high-profile couple deliberately prolonged arguments for hours to impress their clients. This affects work in other courts.

However, their appearance is good news for pay phone and tea stall owners, with business flourishing.

Initially, security was very tight. Sometimes, Laloo used to arrive with hundreds of Rashtriya Janata Dal supporters, who would be stopped outside the court. Gradually, things slackened down and other lawyers and clients went about their business. Judge S K Lal's order that Laloo appear for every hearing changed that.

Lawyer Arvind Kumar suggested, "The special court should be shifted. Since justice delayed is justice denied, there must be least five special courts."

The transfer of the sitting special judge to Bhagalpur added to the problem. Lawyers fear that since his successor will have to understand the cases, it will be quite some time before Laloo's trial and the people's hardships end.

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