New Delhi, March 23 (NationPress) - The Delhi High Court has issued a notice to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding a request from former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi. Her plea contests a trial court's ruling that denied access to documents not utilized by the prosecution in the ongoing Railways land-for-jobs corruption case.

During a brief session, Justice Manoj Jain of the single-judge bench sought the CBI's response and scheduled the matter for further examination on April 1.

Rabri Devi's application argues against the trial court's decision, which did not permit access to these unrelied documents, and she seeks suitable relief from the Delhi High Court.

This development follows a previous ruling by a Delhi court that dismissed requests from Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, and other defendants for unreleased documents in the case initiated by the CBI.

Special Judge Vishal Gogne of the Rouse Avenue Courts denied separate motions filed by Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, and others under Section 91 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), stating that the pursuit of unrelied documents was “untenable” and inconsistent with the principles of criminal trials.

The trial court indicated that unrelied documents cannot be claimed as an absolute right and may only be requested at a suitable stage in the trial, typically when the defense presents its evidence. It also noted that while the accused are entitled to a list of unrelied documents, they cannot demand all such documents at the start of the prosecution’s case without demonstrating their relevance.

Rejecting the request for all 1,675 unrelied documents, the trial court remarked that such demands could disrupt the trial process and alter the statutory framework. “The petition appears aimed at entangling the trial in complexities from the outset,” the court emphasized, warning that approving such requests could lead to “endless cross-examination.”

This case involves allegations that during his term as Railway Minister from 2004 to 2009, Lalu Prasad Yadav misused his official position to secure job placements in the Railways in exchange for land transfers to family members or associated parties.

According to the CBI, candidates or their relatives allegedly sold land at reduced prices, frequently via cash transactions, in exchange for employment in various railway zones.

Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family have refuted these claims, asserting their innocence and vowing to contest the charges vigorously.

Earlier this month, the Delhi High Court also issued a notice to the CBI in response to a plea from Lalu Prasad Yadav challenging the trial court’s directive to frame charges in this case.

In January, the trial court established charges against Lalu Prasad Yadav and several of his family members, observing that they appeared to operate as part of a “criminal enterprise” allegedly exploiting public employment to accumulate real estate.