Why is former CM Madhu Koda facing another fine in the Rural Electrification scam?
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Synopsis
In a significant legal development, the Jharkhand High Court has imposed a fine on former Chief Minister Madhu Koda for his repeated adjournment requests in a major corruption case. With fines accumulating to Rs 15,000, the case highlights ongoing issues surrounding the Rajiv Gandhi Rural Electrification Scheme and Koda’s alleged misconduct.
Key Takeaways
- Madhu Koda fined Rs 8,000 for repeated adjournments.
- Total fines now amount to Rs 15,000.
- Case involves allegations of corruption during Koda's term as CM.
- Koda accused of accepting a bribe for awarding contracts.
- The CBI is investigating the matter.
Ranchi, June 13 (NationPress) The Jharkhand High Court has once again levied a fine of Rs 8,000 on former Chief Minister Madhu Koda for persistently requesting adjournments in a case concerning the Rajiv Gandhi Rural Electrification Scheme scam. This is the fourth instance Koda has faced penalties for delaying court proceedings.
Koda had filed an appeal in the High Court contesting the charges framed against him in a lower court. However, during the hearing on Friday, his attorney requested additional time, leading to the court’s significant displeasure.
Observing the trend of frequent delays, the court imposed the fine and set the next hearing date for eight weeks later.
In prior instances, Koda was fined Rs 1,000 on December 13, 2024; Rs 2,000 on January 17, 2025; and Rs 4,000 on March 1, 2025, each for seeking adjournments.
With this latest penalty, Koda's total fines have now reached Rs 15,000. The court has mandated that all fines be submitted to the Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority (JHALSA).
The case against Koda is based on accusations of extensive corruption during his term as Chief Minister of Jharkhand. He is alleged to have accepted a bribe of Rs 11.40 crore from a director of a Hyderabad-based power infrastructure company that had been blacklisted.
In exchange, Koda purportedly awarded the firm a contract for electrification projects in six districts of Jharkhand, including Latehar, Garhwa, and Palamu.
The CBI, which is investigating the matter, has charged Koda with abuse of power and criminal misconduct. CBI attorney Prashant Pallav represented the agency during Friday's proceedings.
The electrification initiative was part of the Centre's Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY), under which Jharkhand received Rs 467.76 crore in 2006 to electrify 27,359 villages. This project aimed to directly benefit over 29.26 lakh rural families.
Madhu Koda was previously arrested in connection with this case and spent two and a half years in judicial custody before being released on bail on July 30, 2013.
The current proceedings focus on the framing of charges based on the CBI's charge sheet, which Koda is challenging in the High Court.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the serious implications of the legal proceedings against former Chief Minister Madhu Koda. The repeated fines reflect a systemic issue within political accountability, specifically regarding corruption in public service. This case serves as a reminder of the need for transparency and ethical governance in India.
NationPress
14/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the reason for the fines imposed on Madhu Koda?
Madhu Koda has been fined for repeatedly seeking adjournments in a case related to the Rajiv Gandhi Rural Electrification Scheme scam, demonstrating a pattern of delaying court proceedings.
How much total fine has Madhu Koda incurred?
As of now, the total fine imposed on Madhu Koda amounts to Rs 15,000, due to multiple fines for adjournments.
What are the allegations against Madhu Koda?
Madhu Koda is accused of accepting a bribe of Rs 11.40 crore in connection with a power infrastructure contract during his tenure as Chief Minister.
What was the purpose of the Rajiv Gandhi Rural Electrification Scheme?
The scheme aimed to electrify 27,359 villages in Jharkhand, benefiting over 29.26 lakh rural families.
Who is handling the investigation into Madhu Koda's case?
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is currently investigating the case and has charged Koda with abuse of power and criminal misconduct.
