New Delhi: The Supreme Court on August 26 dismissed petitions by former Bihar chief ministers Laloo Prasad Yadav and Jaganath Mishra who had sought consolidation of trial in five fodder scam cases against them in Jharkhand.

A Bench comprising Justice S N Variava, Justice P V Reddi and Justice Ashok Bhan dismissed the petitions saying, "we see no reason to interfere in the order" directing separate trial in the fodder scam cases against petitioners.

The petitioners had expressed apprehensions that they will face harassment in trial as the same evidence could be led five times before different courts and they have to be present there.

Keeping in mind the apprehensions, the Bench said the petitioners could apply to the Special Judge to treat it as evidence that was led before one court in a fodder scam case.

"We see no reason, if such an application is made, why the Special Judge would not treat as evidence which was led before the other court having cases of same nature," the Bench said.

PTI