Patna Court Delivers Verdict on Road for 95-Year-Old in Bank Fraud Case
In an unprecedented judicial event, the Patna district courts witnessed a rare moment of justice unfold not within the confines of a courtroom, but on the open road. On Monday, at approximately 11:30 AM, Avinash Kumar, the special judge of the CBI court, conducted an extraordinary hearing and delivered a verdict in a long-pending bank fraud case that had lingered for 15 years.
Roadside Hearing for Frail Accused
The hearing took place on the road leading to the Patna civil courts, where the accused, Jai Narayan Singh, a 95-year-old man in frail health, was lying inside a vehicle. Unable to move his legs due to his debilitating condition, Jai Narayan admitted his guilt and pleaded for amnesty from the court. The judge, acknowledging the unique circumstances, proceeded with the case outside the traditional courtroom setting.
Verdict and Sentencing Details
Judge Avinash Kumar found Jai Narayan guilty of the charges. However, in a compassionate decision, the court disposed of the case by sentencing him to a fine of Rs 2,000 only, without imposing any prison term. This leniency was based on judicial notice of several factors: Jai Narayan had already refunded the entire loan amount of approximately Rs 4 lakh to Uco Bank, which he had fraudulently obtained 15 years ago for purchasing a tractor using forged documents. Additionally, the court considered his advanced age and poor health, which severely limited his mobility.
Background of the Case
The case was originally registered by the CBI in 2011 against fake borrowers and other accused individuals, including employees of UCO Bank. They were alleged to have swindled public funds under the guise of tractor and agricultural loan schemes in Jamui district of Bihar. The hearing on Monday lasted nearly 35 minutes, during which Jai Narayan remained in a lying posture with folded hands, continuously confessing his guilt and seeking mercy.
Witness Account and Legal Context
Advocate Shailesh Kumar, who witnessed the incident on the premises of Patna civil courts, described the scene as poignant and unusual. He noted that the judge's decision to hold the hearing on the road was a pragmatic response to the accused's inability to enter the courtroom. This case highlights the judiciary's adaptability in ensuring access to justice, even in challenging situations, while balancing legal rigor with humanitarian considerations.
