NEW DELHI, May 12: Acting on former prime minister Narasimha Rao's petition, Delhi High Court today stayed the proceedings in the Rs 3.5 crore Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) MPs bribery case where he is one of the accused. Rao has objected to the pardon granted to JMM MP Shailendra Mahatot another accused, under Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Justice Mohammad Shamim has asked the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to file, by August 8, its reply to Rao's revision petition.

The trial court had directed Narasimha Rao and 19 other accused to appear before it on May 14 for the formal framing of charges. Challenging the framing of charges against Rao, his counsel R K Anand argued in the petition before the High Court: ``The learned trial court has failed to appreciate the wide sweep of privileges and immunities granted to MPs under Article 105 of the Constitution.''

``Being a Prime Minister,'' the petition states, ``Rao was duty bound to defend the Government on the Floor of the House and also to seek and garner support from all possible corners. The discussions about the policies of the Government is a normal democratic phenomenon and in these circumstances, the mere fact that the petitioner met certain MPs, would no way lead to an interference that any conspiracy was entered into or any bribes were paid,'' the petition said.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.