A Delhi court has dismissed requests from Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, and others for unrelied documents in a Railways land-for-jobs corruption case. The court rejected the pleas, stating that such documents cannot be demanded as a right by the accused before the appropriate trial stage. Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi’s plea for 1,675 unrelied documents was denied, with the court emphasizing that this could disrupt the trial process.
The court clarified that accused individuals are entitled to a list of unrelied documents but must demonstrate necessity and relevance before seeking them. It noted that providing all unrelied documents at the outset of the prosecution evidence could lead to prolonged cross-examination and shift focus from relied documents. Dismissing all three applications, the court found no exceptional circumstances to deviate from established legal norms.
The case involves allegations that Lalu Prasad Yadav misused his position as Railway Minister from 2004 to 2009 to secure jobs in the Railways in exchange for land transfers to his family. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) claims that land was transferred at discounted rates for job favors. Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family members have refuted the accusations, asserting their innocence and readiness to contest the case.
The Delhi High Court has issued notice to the CBI following Lalu Prasad Yadav’s challenge to the trial court’s order on framing charges. In January, charges were framed against Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family members, with the court suggesting their involvement in a criminal enterprise using public employment for property acquisition.
