Lalu Yadav’s Counsel Argues That Excess Treasury Withdrawals and Knowledge of Fraud Are Two Different Matters
Ranchi, October 29, 2026: The Jharkhand High Court on Wednesday heard an appeal filed in connection with the fodder scam case involving Lalu Prasad Yadav, former Chief Minister of Bihar and president of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). During the hearing before Justice Anubha Rawat Choudhary, Lalu Yadav’s counsel argued that excessive withdrawals from the treasury and knowledge of fraudulent withdrawals are two entirely different matters.
The defence submitted that Lalu Yadav had no knowledge of the alleged fraudulent withdrawals and argued that he had been wrongly implicated in the case.
Questions Raised Over Compliance with Treasury Rules
During the hearing, Lalu Yadav’s counsel pointed out that the relevant documents referred to letters sent to various districts, but complete details of expenditure through the treasuries had not been received from the concerned districts.
The counsel argued that, under the prescribed rules, utilisation certificates, bills and vouchers were required to be submitted to the Accountant General’s Office (AG Office) at the end of every month. However, according to the defence, this procedure was not followed.
Role of Officials Also Questioned
Lalu Yadav’s counsel also questioned why the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) of the concerned districts and officials of the Accountant General’s Office had not been made accused in connection with the alleged scam during the relevant period.
According to the defence, these officials also had important responsibilities relating to government expenditure records, auditing and financial supervision.
Next Hearing on November 2
The Jharkhand High Court has scheduled the next hearing in the matter for November 2. Further arguments in the case are expected to continue on that date.
