New Delhi:
Arguing that the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) chief Om Prakash Chautala's had a definite role to play in the illegal recruitment of junior teacher's in Haryana, the Central Bureau of Investigation demanded that he be given maximum punishment.
The former Haryana Chief Minister and his son Ajay Chautala, who is also a legislator, were among 55 people who were convicted yesterday on corruption and other charges by a Delhi court for illegally recruiting 3,206 junior teachers 12 years back. They were sent to Tihar Jail.
"This offense has been committed after deep deliberation. Every person linked in this case has played out their part.
"A murder may be committed in the heat of the moment, economic fraud is committed after due thought and at the cost of forfeiting the trust of society for personal gain," the lawyer for CBI said.
"Unfortunately the past few years the country has seen a huge number of white collar crimes, at the cost of society. I ask the court to give the maximum punishment under law," he added.
Mr Chautala's defense argued that since his client had been elected the Chief Minister of Haryana four times, it reflected people's faith in him.
"Court should consider age and poor health while deciding jail term. Even one day in jail for Chautala is a very big punishment," he argued.
Mr Chautala has moved an application in court today for a helper in jail, a western toilet and some medicines. Meanwhile, his son, citing health concerns, has moved an application to be admitted in Medanta hospital.
Thousands of Mr Chautala's supporters protested outside the Delhi court today when he arrived for hearing of arguments on his sentencing in the case.
The court has fixed January 22 to pronounce the sentence.