ORDER

1. These two special leave petitions are filed, one by Laloo Prasad Yadav and the other by Jagannath Mishra (both were Chief Ministers of the State of Bihar during different periods) and they are now accused in RC No. 47-A of Arising out of SLP (Cd.) No. 7012 of 2001 Arising out of SLP (Crl.) No. 7079 of 2001 1997. This is one of the cases connected with "Bihar Fodder Scam". They now challenge the orders passed by the Special Court, Ranchi refusing bail to them. In this case both the petitioners surrendered before the Special Court on 26-11-2001 and they continue in detention.

2. When these petitions were taken up Shri Mukul Rohatgi, learned Additional Solicitor-General raised a preliminary objection that the petitioners must first approach the High Court of Ranchi in challenge of the impugned orders before approaching this Court with the special leave petition. Shri Kapil Sibal, learned Senior Counsel appearing for Laloo Prasad Yadav submitted that in view of the special circumstances of this case this Court may be pleased to entertain the special leave petition even though the petitioner has not approached the High Court first. The circumstances are these:

These petitioner