Is Lalu Yadav's Land-for-Job Scandal Under Scrutiny by Delhi Court?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- A Delhi court has extended the timeline for the CBI to submit reports in the land-for-job case.
- Charges may be framed under significant sections of the Indian Penal Code.
- The case revolves around alleged corruption during Lalu Prasad Yadav's tenure as Railway Minister.
- The CBI has been granted permission to prosecute Yadav in this case.
- Parallel investigations are ongoing by both the CBI and ED.
New Delhi, Dec 15 (NationPress) - A Delhi court has provided the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) with an extension to submit verification reports concerning the alleged land-for-job corruption scandal involving Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Lalu Prasad Yadav, his family, and other implicated individuals.
Special Judge (Prevention of Corruption Act) Vishal Gogne of the Rouse Avenue Courts postponed the hearing on charge framing to December 19, following a request from the investigation agency for additional time to complete the verification of all accused parties.
The court is currently deliberating on the possible framing of charges under Sections 120B, 420, 467, 468, and 471 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), along with stipulations of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
During a previous session on December 11, the court had already deferred proceedings and allowed the CBI more time to present its verification reports.
The CBI claims that significant corruption took place between 2004 and 2009 while Lalu Prasad served as the Union Railway Minister. The agency alleged that land was procured under the names of Lalu's family and a linked company, often at below-market rates and primarily through cash transactions. Allegedly, individuals who transferred land were provided with jobs in Group 'D' positions across various railway zones.
The Union Home Ministry has granted clearance for the CBI to prosecute Lalu Prasad in this corruption matter, while both the ED and the CBI are conducting simultaneous investigations into a purported Rs 600-crore money-laundering case associated with land transfers in Patna.
In July, the Supreme Court declined to hear Lalu Prasad Yadav's plea for a stay on trial proceedings in this land-for-job case, following a special leave petition challenging the Delhi High Court's refusal to suspend the trial after the CBI submitted multiple charge sheets under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Recently, the Principal District and Sessions Judge-cum-Special Judge (PC Act) issued notices to the CBI concerning transfer petitions filed by former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi, requesting that the corruption case be moved from Judge Gogne's court.