Supreme Court to Hear Former Jharkhand CM Madhu Koda’s Plea in Coal Scam Case
The Supreme Court of India is set to hear a plea from former Jharkhand Chief Minister Madhu Koda on Friday. Koda is seeking to stay his conviction in a coal scam case, which would allow him to participate in the upcoming assembly elections.
Background of the Case
A bench comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna, Sanjay Kumar, and R Mahadevan postponed the hearing, noting that the case file was circulated only in the morning. Senior Advocate RS Cheema represented the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the matter.
Madhu Koda’s plea, filed through advocate Yoothica Pallavi, challenges the Delhi High Court’s decision from October 18, 2024, which dismissed his request to stay the conviction. Koda argues that the decision prevents him from contesting elections indefinitely, affecting his community in the Kolhan Region of Jharkhand.
Details of the Conviction
In 2017, Koda, along with former coal secretary HC Gupta, ex-Jharkhand chief secretary AK Basu, and aide Vijay Joshi, was sentenced to three years in prison for corruption and conspiracy related to the allocation of the Rajhara North coal block to Vini Iron and Steel Udyog Ltd. Koda was convicted of criminal misconduct under the Prevention of Corruption Act and fined Rs 5 lakh.
Although Koda was granted bail and a stay on the fine in 2018, the Delhi High Court refused to stay his conviction in 2020. Koda has since approached the High Court again, citing new developments and the pending status of his criminal appeal since 2017.
Doubts Revealed
Supreme Court -: The Supreme Court is the highest court in India. It makes important decisions on legal matters and ensures justice is served.
Jharkhand -: Jharkhand is a state in eastern India. It is known for its rich mineral resources and tribal culture.
Madhu Koda -: Madhu Koda is a politician who was the Chief Minister of Jharkhand. He was involved in a legal case related to corruption.
Coal Scam -: The Coal Scam refers to a corruption scandal in India where coal blocks were allocated unfairly. It involved misuse of power and resources.
Plea -: A plea is a request made to a court. In this case, Madhu Koda is asking the court to change a previous decision.
Conviction -: A conviction is when someone is found guilty of a crime by a court. Madhu Koda was convicted for corruption.
Delhi High Court -: The Delhi High Court is a court in India that deals with legal cases in the Delhi region. It made a decision against Madhu Koda’s request.
Coal Block Allocation -: Coal block allocation is the process of giving permission to companies to mine coal. It should be done fairly and legally.
Bail -: Bail is when someone is allowed to stay out of jail while waiting for their trial or appeal. Madhu Koda was granted bail.
