Medininagar, Jharkhand: A special MP/MLA court in Palamu on Wednesday slapped a fine of ₹6,000 on Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad in connection with a poll code violation case dating back to 2009.
"We pleaded guilty and urged the court to dispose of the case as it was unnecessarily getting dragged. The court acquitted our client with a fine of ₹6,000," said Prabhat Kumar, counsel representing Lalu Prasad.
The matter relates to the landing of Prasad's helicopter at a location away from the designated spot in Garhwa district during campaigning ahead of the 2009 Lok Sabha elections.
A case under IPC sections 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), 279 (rash driving or riding on a public way), 290 (punishment for public nuisance), 291 (whoever repeats or continues a public nuisance) and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention), and section 127 of Representation of People's Act that deals with disturbances at election meetings.
Lalu Prasad Yadav's counsel Prabhat Kumar said the case was later transferred to Ranchi and then to Medininagar.
The supporters of the former Bihar chief minister, who gathered outside the court, welcomed the verdict and garlanded their leader.
RJD's Palamu district unit president Ramnath Chandravanshi said Lalu Prasad Yadav will soon leave for Patna.
Sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) Surjit Kumar said tight security arrangements were made for Prasad in the court. Traffic was regulated in the area.