The CBI opposes granting a reduction in the quantum of sentence for OP Chautala in the disproportionate assets case

*Paromita Das

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has opposed former Haryana Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala’s lawyer’s request for a reduction in the quantum of sentence due to ill health in a disproportionate assets (DA) case.

On Friday, Chautala will be sentenced by the Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi. Previously, the verdict on Chautala’s sentence was expected to be announced on Thursday. The CBI has previously demanded “maximum punishment” for Chautala in order to send a message to society. “In this case, the person is a public figure, and a light sentence would send the wrong message.”

He does not have a clean record. “This is the second time he has been convicted,” the CBI said, according to news agency ANI. The CBI filed the FIR in the DA case against Chautala. According to the CBI’s FIR, accused Om Prakash Chautala, while serving as Chief Minister of Haryana between July 24, 1999, and March 5, 2005, accumulated assets, immovable and movable, disproportionate to his known lawful sources of income, in his name, the names of his family members, and others, totaling Rs 1,467 crores.

The FIR also stated that 43 immovable properties, in addition to cash and jewelery, had been accumulated. Aside from the 43 alleged properties, it was also stated that additional properties were suspected to be owned by the accused family. Last week, Special Judge (PC Act) Vikas Dhull convicted Chautala, saying the accused had failed to account for such disproportionality by proving his source of income or the means by which he acquired assets during the check period. “As a result, accused Om Prakash Chautala is found guilty under Section 13(1)(e) and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. Put up for debate on the point of sentence on May 26, 2022 at 10 a.m “According to the court.