The Delhi High Court has issued a notice to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) following a plea by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav challenging a trial court’s order to frame charges against him in a corruption case related to alleged Railways land-for-jobs irregularities. Justice Manoj Jain, on a single-judge Bench, has requested CBI’s response and scheduled the next hearing for March 17. Lalu Prasad Yadav has contested the trial court’s decision to frame charges against him and has sought relief from the Delhi High Court.
In January this year, Special Judge Vishal Gogne of the Rouse Avenue Courts framed charges against Lalu Prasad Yadav and several family members, including his wife Rabri Devi, sons Tejashwi Yadav and Tej Pratap Yadav, and daughters Misa Bharti and Hema Yadav. The court found a prima facie case of corruption, cheating, and criminal conspiracy against them, suggesting they operated as part of a “criminal enterprise” by allegedly using public employment in the Railways to acquire properties.
The case dates back to the period between 2004 and 2009 when Lalu Prasad Yadav held the position of Union Railway Minister. Allegations suggest that land parcels were obtained in the names of his family members and a related company at rates below market value through cash transactions in exchange for Railway job placements. Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family members have denied the charges and are prepared to face trial, having pleaded not guilty to corruption, cheating, and criminal conspiracy accusations before the Special CBI Court at Rouse Avenue.
