FIR against Governor in MPPEB scam: HC seeks Attorney General’s opinion

Governor Ram Naresh Yadav

The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Monday sought opinion of the Attorney General of India on the immunity enjoyed by Governors under Article 361 of the Constitution.

The court also issued a notice to the Special Task Force (STF) probing the MPPEB scam in which Governor Ram Naresh Yadav has been named an accused. Yadav had challenged the FIR filed against him by the STF last month.

The division bench comprising Chief Justice A M Khanvilkar and justice Alok Aradhe posted the matter for further hearing on March 25.

During the preliminary hearing, Yadav’s lawyers told the court that he had volunteered to appear for any questioning by the probe agency if it wanted to ask him something.

Ashish Trivedi, one of Yadav’s laywers, told The Indian Express that the bench orally instructed the probe agency not to use any coercive method while questioning him, or to arrest him.

In a petition filed last week, Yadav had cited the immunity bestowed under Article 361 on governors arguing that no criminal proceedings can be initiated against them till they are in office.

Noted lawyer Ram Jethmalani appeared for the Governor, who had refused to step down despite speculation over his resignation.

Source:: Indian Express