New Delhi, Dec 19 (NationPress) In a significant blow to former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi and her family, a Delhi court has dismissed requests to move several corruption and money-laundering cases from the court of Special Judge Vishal Gogne.

Principal District and Sessions Judge Dinesh Bhatt of the Rouse Avenue Courts rejected four transfer petitions submitted by Rabri Devi, which involved the IRCTC hotel scam, the CBI's land-for-jobs case, and two related money-laundering investigations by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

With these pleas turned down, all criminal proceedings against Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Yadav, and other family members will remain under the jurisdiction of Special Judge Vishal Gogne.

Rabri Devi argued for the transfer, claiming that the trial judge's conduct created a “reasonable apprehension of bias.” She alleged that Judge Gogne appeared “unduly inclined towards the prosecution” and was pursuing charges against her family with a premeditated agenda.

Other accused, including members of the Yadav family, supported her petitions, asserting that their cases were being handled with unusual speed.

Senior advocate Maninder Singh, representing Rabri Devi, pointed out that although Judge Gogne had nearly 29 pending cases, none were being processed as quickly as the four involving the former Chief Minister and her family. He noted that these cases had been listed 117, 70, 50, and 28 times respectively between January 1, 2025, and December 14, 2025.

The CBI and the ED vehemently opposed the transfer requests, labeling them as attempts to “discredit the judge” and “intimidate the courts.”

Special Public Prosecutor D.P. Singh for the CBI contended that the allegations of bias were groundless and slanderous, emphasizing that Judge Gogne was adhering to established legal procedures.

The district judge had previously solicited responses from both central agencies and requested feedback from Judge Gogne, who submitted a reply in a sealed envelope.

The IRCTC hotel scam involves alleged misconduct in the leasing of IRCTC hotels from 2004 to 2009, during which time Lalu Prasad served as the Union Railway Minister. Charges under Sections 420 and 120B of the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act were recently ordered to be framed.

In the land-for-jobs case, the CBI alleges that individuals seeking Group-D posts in the Railways transferred land to members of Lalu Prasad’s family or their proxies in return for employment.

Earlier today, the Rouse Avenue Courts reserved its decision regarding the charge framing in this case, while the ED continues its inquiry into the money-laundering aspects, claiming that the transactions produced illicit gains that were subsequently laundered through various entities.