Buta Singh files appeal in HC

NEW DELHI, OCT. 17. The former Union Minister, Mr. Buta Singh, sentenced to three years RI in the JMM MPs bribery case along with the former Prime Minister, Mr. P.V. Narasimha Rao, today filed an appeal in the Delhi High Court challenging the trial court order.

Mr. Singh, in his appeal filed in the court registry, claimed that the special judge had ``erred '' in holding him guilty of bribing four JMM MPs and ``failed'' to consider that the ``prosecution had not been able to bring any incriminating evidence'' against him.

Mr. Singh's counsel said, ``there was neither any direct nor circumstancial evidence to draw the inference of conspiracy'' against his client. The appeal is likely to come up for hearing tomorrow.

He said the conviction was entirely based on the ``uncorroborated testimony'' of the approver Mr. Shailendra Mahato, one of the four JMM leaders, who was allegedly bribed.

The trial court failed to appreciate that the approver himself ``is unworthy of any reliance'' because he had on innumerable times ``lied'' on the issue, he alleged.

He added that neither a case under section 120(B) (criminal conspiracy) nor sections 7, 12 and 13(2) read with section 13 (1)(D) of the Prevention of Corruption Act could be made against Mr. Singh.

The trial court has granted bail to Mr. Rao and Mr. Singh on their furnishing a personal bond of Rs. two lakhs each and sureties of the like amount, till November eight.

- PTI

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