Bihar MLA Amit Ranu faces arrest over Muzaffarpur land grab

Indian Opinion Analysis

The Muzaffarpur case is the latest in a series of land-grab accusations against Bihar politicians from various parties, often involving disputed plots along the state's expanding urban fringe. Under the Indian Penal Code and the Specific Relief Act, illegal occupation and demolition of occupied structures can attract non-bailable warrants. Ranu, as a sitting MLA, enjoys immunity from arrest in civil matters under Article 105 of the Constitution while the Assembly is in session, but criminal FIRs bypass that protection once a magistrate issues the warrant. His party, LJP (Ram Vilas), is a coalition partner in the ruling NDA, which means the political fallout could test the Nitish Kumar government's handling of law-and-order against its own allies. The court's decision on the warrant, likely within this week, will determine whether Ranu faces immediate arrest or gains time to seek anticipatory bail.