Rajasthan CM Orders Investigation into Bribery Claims Against Three MLAs

Rajasthan CM Orders Investigation into Bribery Claims Against Three MLAs

Why in News? 

Recently, the Rajasthan government has initiated a high-level investigation into allegations against three MLAs accused of seeking commissions linked to the release of their legislative development funds.

Background of the Allegations Against the MLAs

• In December 2025, serious bribery allegations surfaced against three sitting Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in Rajasthan. These claims were made public after a stinging media investigation and a reported sting operation that suggested legislators demanded money to approve and release development funds meant for their constituencies.
• The controversy began when a major national newspaper published a report based on footage and interviews alleging that MLAs were asking for commissions from contractors and intermediaries in exchange for sanctioning MLA Local Area Development (LAD) funds. 
• The allegations involve three legislators from diverse political backgrounds. They are: Revant Ram Danga, a legislator from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) representing Khimsar. Anita Jatav, a Congress MLA from Hindaun. Ritu Banawat, an Independent MLA from Bayana in the Bharatpur district. All three have been publicly named in connection with the claims.
• According to the media report, these MLAs were accused of seeking commissions as a precondition for releasing funds to execute development works. The alleged commissions were reportedly requested as a proportion of the contract value of the work to be carried out under the MLA-LAD scheme. Critics argued that such actions, if true, would amount to a direct misuse of public office for personal gain. 
• In addition to the primary report, viral videos and social media posts have circulated claiming similar wrongdoing by some of the accused legislators. These clips purportedly show discussions about payments tied to fund approval, though independent verification of these clips remains challenging.

Government’s Response and Measures Taken

• The Rajasthan government ordered a high-level inquiry on 14 December 2025 after media reports alleged three MLAs took commissions for releasing MLA Local Area Development (LAD) funds. The inquiry aims to examine the allegations and collect evidence.
• Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma directed the creation of a high‑level committee of four-member panel to lead the inquiry. The committee is headed by the State Chief Vigilance Commissioner, who is also an Additional Chief Secretary (Home). Government officials like secretaries from key departments are part of this team. The panel will gather facts and report within 15 days.
• The government instructed officials to freeze the MLA LAD accounts of the three accused legislators. This step aims to stop any further use or movement of funds allocated under the MLA‑LAD scheme while the inquiry is ongoing.
• Chief Minister Sharma publicly stated that the government follows a zero‑tolerance policy against corruption by public servants. He emphasized that influential figures will not be protected if found guilty of misconduct. His statement reinforced the official commitment to accountability in public office.
• Instructions were given to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police to support the inquiry. The government’s chief whip wrote to the Speaker of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly to refer the matter to the Assembly’s Ethics Committee.
• The state has placed all administrative actions under close supervision while the inquiry proceeds. Officials have been instructed to maintain detailed records and cooperate with investigative teams. The government ensures that due process is followed and all steps respect legal norms.

Significance of MLA LAD Funds

• The MLA Local Area Development (LAD) Fund is a mechanism to support grassroots development in India. The scheme began in Karnataka in 2001–02 and later spread to many other states. 
• Its main goal is to let elected representatives address local infrastructure and public welfare needs that the regular budget may not cover. Each MLA can recommend specific works within their constituency using this allocation. 
• States have discretion on how to structure LAD funds. For example, in Delhi from fiscal year 2025–26, the annual LAD allocation is ₹5 crore per constituency. This amount can be used both for major capital works and repair or maintenance of existing public assets within the approved categories.
• The LAD fund does not replace regular state budgetary resources. Instead, it supplements them. Funds from the state budget cover broad policy schemes, while LAD funds focus on constituency‑specific gaps. This ensures that small yet important development needs are not overlooked.
• MLAs do not execute projects themselves. They recommend works to departments that carry out the execution. Government departments vet the proposals, sanction funds, and supervise implementation.  
• Different states set different LAD fund amounts based on budget priorities and fiscal capacity. For instance, Uttar Pradesh has had a fixed allocation of ₹3 crore per MLA per year since 2020. In 2021, Rajasthan raised the MLA-LAD fund from Rs 2.25 crore to Rs 5 crore per legislator to support COVID-19 vaccination.
• The LAD scheme is similar to the MPLAD (Member of Parliament Local Area Development) Scheme, a central government programme launched in 1993–94 to fund Members of Parliament for local works. Both schemes share the focus on constituency development.

Legal Implications for Legislators

• In India, elected representatives are not above the law. The Supreme Court of India ruled on 4 March 2024 that Members of Parliament and Members of Legislative Assemblies have no immunity from criminal prosecution for taking bribes. This judgment clarified that legislative privilege under Article 105(2) and Article 194(2) of the Constitution does not protect a legislator from prosecution for bribery or corruption. Any legislator accused of accepting money or undue advantage for a public duty must face legal scrutiny like any other citizen. 
• The Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 is a central law that penalizes corrupt acts involving public servants. The Act was amended in 2018 to broaden its reach and strengthen accountability. It now covers the giving and receiving of bribes by public servants. Under this law, corruption includes both requesting and accepting undue advantage in the discharge of official duties.
• Under the Prevention of Corruption Act, bribery and related offences are punishable with imprisonment of a minimum of three years and up to seven years, along with fines. These legal penalties apply equally to public servants and, when applicable, to legislators who misuse their office or power for personal gain.
• The Representation of the People Act, 1951 governs the conduct, qualifications, and disqualifications of legislators. Under this Act, a legislator can be disqualified if convicted of certain offences, including those related to corruption. This legal framework ensures that criminal convictions for serious wrongdoing can lead to the loss of legislative membership and bar individuals from contesting future elections. 
• The Lokayukta, established under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, functions as a state‑level anti‑corruption ombudsman. The Lokayukta can investigate complaints against legislators, ministers, and public officials for misuse of power and corruption. This institution adds an additional layer of oversight beyond criminal prosecution.