Is the Judiciary Being Managed? Congress Comments on Lalu Prasad Yadav's Verdict in IRCTC Case

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Udit Raj alleges that the judiciary is being manipulated.
- Claims of political influence over judicial timing.
- The IRCTC hotel scam dates back to 2004-2009.
- Concerns over judicial appointments and integrity.
- Accusations of nepotism in judicial selections.
New Delhi, Oct 13 (NationPress) Following the framing of charges against RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family in the IRCTC hotel scam by the Rouse Avenue Court on Monday, Congress leader Udit Raj alleged that the judiciary is "managed". He claimed that the date of the hearing was intentionally set before the Bihar Assembly elections.
The alleged scam dates back to between 2004 and 2009 when Lalu Prasad held the position of Union Railway Minister. It concerns purported irregularities in assigning contracts for the maintenance of two IRCTC hotels to a private entity without following appropriate procedures.
In response to the court's decision, Udit Raj remarked to IANS, "The date was intentionally chosen. Everyone is aware of the state of our judiciary. Everything has been orchestrated. This was done to ensure that the RJD cannot participate in elections, facing harassment, discouragement, and persecution. I urge the citizens of Bihar to retaliate by voting."
He also pointed out the appointment of former BJP spokesperson Aarti Sathe as a judge of the Bombay High Court in August this year, raising concerns over the integrity of such judicial appointments.
"How can a BJP spokesperson become a High Court judge? Will she ensure justice? Her name is Aarti. There are numerous such instances. There are no exams or interviews for judges. How is the evaluation for High Court or Supreme Court judges conducted?" he questioned.
The Congress leader further accused the judiciary of being plagued by nepotism, asserting that judges and the government "collaborate" to influence judicial appointments.
"The government and judges share their quotas for appointments... Political leaders are elected by the public, but who selects the judges?" he stated, providing examples such as former Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, whose father Y.V. Chandrachud also served as CJI.