IRCTC scam: Delhi court orders Rabri Devi, Tejashwi to appear on Nov 19 for charge framing
Synopsis
The IRCTC hotel scam case took another turn on 30 October as a Delhi court granted a temporary exemption to Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav — but ordered them to appear in person on 19 November for formal charge framing. With Lalu Prasad Yadav simultaneously challenging charges at the Delhi High Court, the RJD's legal battles are heading toward a critical juncture.
Key Takeaways
Rouse Avenue Court granted exemption to Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav on 30 October 2026 in the IRCTC hotel scam money laundering case.
Both are directed to appear in person on 19 November for formal framing of charges under PMLA .
Charges were already framed against Lalu Prasad Yadav , Rabri Devi , Tejashwi Yadav and others by Special Judge Vishal Gogne in September 2026 ; seven accused were discharged.
The ED alleges irregularities in IRCTC hotel contracts during Lalu's tenure as Union Railway Minister (2004–2009) , with three acres of prime land allegedly acquired as kickbacks.
Lalu Prasad Yadav has challenged the charge-framing order at the Delhi High Court , which has issued notice to the ED; next High Court date is 3 December .
A Delhi court on Friday, 30 October 2026, granted a one-day exemption from personal appearance to Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav's wife Rabri Devi and son Tejashwi Yadav in the alleged money laundering case linked to the IRCTC hotel scam, being probed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The Rouse Avenue Court has now directed both to appear in person on 19 November for the formal framing of charges under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
What Happened in Court
Counsel for Rabri Devi cited medical reasons for her inability to appear before the court on Friday. In the case of Tejashwi Yadav, his counsel informed the court that a delayed flight had prevented him from arriving on time, though he was expected to appear by 2 pm to complete formalities. The court, however, granted exemption to both accused for the day and listed the next hearing for 19 November.
Separately, counsel for Lalu Prasad Yadav told the court that the Delhi High Court had issued notice to the ED on his plea challenging the trial court's order framing charges against him. The counsel also submitted that the High Court had granted him liberty to seek an adjournment before the trial court until the next High Court hearing scheduled for 3 December. The trial court clarified that accused persons who have not obtained any stay from the High Court would be required to appear on the next date.
Charges Already Framed Against Lalu and Family
In September 2026, Special Judge (PC Act) Vishal Gogne of the Rouse Avenue Courts framed charges against Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Yadav, and other accused under PMLA, holding that a prima facie case of money laundering was established. The court simultaneously discharged seven accused persons in the same case.
The Allegations: IRCTC Hotel Contracts and Land
According to the ED, the accused allegedly laundered proceeds of crime generated through irregularities in the award of contracts for the operation of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) hotels during Lalu Prasad Yadav's tenure as Union Railway Minister between 2004 and 2009. The agency has alleged that hotel maintenance contracts were awarded to a private company linked to close associates of the RJD chief without following prescribed norms. In return, three acres of prime land were allegedly acquired through a benami company linked to his family members and associates.
The money laundering case stems from a predicate offence registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the alleged IRCTC hotel scam. Notably, this case has been in legal proceedings for several years, marking yet another chapter in one of India's most protracted political corruption investigations.
Lalu Prasad Yadav's Stand
Lalu Prasad Yadav has consistently denied all allegations, maintaining that the tenders for the IRCTC hotels were awarded in a fair and transparent manner. His legal team's High Court challenge to the charge-framing order adds another layer to what is already a multi-front legal battle for the RJD leadership.
The case will next be heard on 19 November, when both Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav are required to appear for the formal framing of charges — a critical procedural step before the trial formally commences.
Point of View
And with ample procedural room. The exemptions granted on medical and logistical grounds are routine, but the optics for the RJD ahead of Bihar's political calendar are not trivial. More significantly, Lalu Prasad Yadav's High Court challenge to the very order framing charges means this case could be tied up in parallel proceedings for months even as the trial court pushes forward. The real test is whether the 19 November hearing sees both Tejashwi and Rabri Devi in court without further delays — repeated deferrals in high-profile PMLA cases have drawn criticism from courts themselves in the past.
NationPress
30 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IRCTC hotel scam case?
The IRCTC hotel scam case involves allegations that hotel maintenance contracts of the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation were irregularly awarded during Lalu Prasad Yadav's tenure as Union Railway Minister between 2004 and 2009. The ED is probing money laundering linked to the alleged award of contracts to a private company connected to associates of the RJD chief, with three acres of prime land allegedly acquired as kickbacks through a benami company.
Why were Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav exempted from appearing on 30 October?
Rabri Devi was granted exemption due to medical reasons cited by her counsel, while Tejashwi Yadav's counsel informed the court that his flight was delayed. The Rouse Avenue Court accepted both grounds and exempted them for the day, scheduling their next mandatory appearance for 19 November.
When were charges formally framed in the IRCTC money laundering case?
Special Judge Vishal Gogne of the Rouse Avenue Courts framed charges against Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Yadav and other accused in September 2026, holding that a prima facie case under PMLA was made out. Seven accused persons were discharged in the same order.
What is Lalu Prasad Yadav's current legal position in the case?
Lalu Prasad Yadav has challenged the trial court's order framing charges against him before the Delhi High Court, which has issued a notice to the ED. The High Court has granted him liberty to seek adjournments before the trial court until the next High Court hearing on 3 December 2026.
What happens on 19 November in the IRCTC case?
On 19 November, Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav are required to appear in person before the Rouse Avenue Court for the formal framing of charges — a critical procedural step before the trial can formally commence. Accused without a High Court stay order are also required to be present.
