Will the Delhi Court Charge Lalu Prasad in the IRCTC Hotel Scam?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a significant ruling, the Delhi court has deferred its decision on charges against Lalu Prasad Yadav in the IRCTC hotel scam. With allegations of corruption and irregularities during his tenure as Railway Minister, the case raises critical questions about accountability in public office. Stay tuned as the developments unfold.
Key Takeaways
- The Delhi court has postponed its ruling on charges against Lalu Prasad Yadav until August 5.
- The alleged IRCTC hotel scam occurred between 2004 and 2009.
- Lalu Prasad and several others are accused of corruption and irregularities.
- The Supreme Court recently denied Lalu Prasad's request to halt trial court proceedings.
- The case highlights the need for accountability in public office.
New Delhi, July 23 (NationPress) A Delhi court has postponed its ruling on whether to frame charges against Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) president Lalu Prasad Yadav, his relatives, and other defendants in the IRCTC hotel scam case until August 5. The alleged fraud occurred between 2004 and 2009 during Lalu Prasad's tenure as Union Railway Minister. During this period, two hotels were leased without adhering to established protocols.
Special judge Vishal Gogne, originally set to announce the decision on Wednesday, has now delayed it until August 5.
The Rouse Avenue Court previously reserved its ruling on May 29 after extensive discussions regarding the potential charges of criminal conspiracy, cheating, and corruption against the accused individuals. Alongside Lalu Prasad and Tejashwi Yadav, others implicated include Prem Gupta, Sarla Gupta, and railway officials Rakesh Saksena and P.K. Goyal.
This case pertains to the alleged irregularities concerning the maintenance contract of two IRCTC hotels awarded to a firm while Lalu Prasad served as Railway Minister.
One hotel was awarded to Sarla Gupta, who is married to Prem Gupta, a close associate of Lalu Prasad and a former Rajya Sabha MP. According to the prosecution, Lalu Prasad acquired three acres of valuable land through a benami company.
Maintaining his innocence, Lalu Prasad contended that the tendering process was conducted fairly and has requested a discharge.
Recently, the Supreme Court declined to consider Lalu Prasad's plea for halting trial court proceedings linked to the land-for-job case.
He had filed a special leave petition (SLP) in the Supreme Court challenging the Delhi High Court's decision to reject his request for a stay on the trial.
This situation arose after the trial court acknowledged multiple charge sheets submitted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
According to the CBI, during his tenure from 2004-2009, Lalu Prasad (then Railway Minister) received financial benefits through the allocation of land to his family members in exchange for appointing substitutes for Group 'D' positions in various Railway Zones.
Numerous residents from Patna either personally or via their relatives transferred or donated land to Lalu Prasad's family members and a private company under his control.
Point of View
The ongoing legal proceedings against Lalu Prasad Yadav highlight the critical need for transparency and accountability within political offices. The allegations of corruption underscore the importance of rigorous oversight in the management of public resources, reinforcing the principle that no one is above the law.
NationPress
24/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IRCTC hotel scam?
The IRCTC hotel scam involves allegations of corruption and irregularities in awarding maintenance contracts for two hotels during Lalu Prasad Yadav's tenure as Railway Minister from 2004 to 2009.
Who are the main accused in the case?
The main accused include Lalu Prasad Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav, Prem Gupta, Sarla Gupta, and railway officials Rakesh Saksena and P.K. Goyal.
What are the charges against Lalu Prasad?
Lalu Prasad faces charges of criminal conspiracy, cheating, and corruption related to the alleged irregularities in hotel contracts.
What is the current status of the case?
The Delhi court has deferred its decision on framing charges until August 5, following extensive arguments presented in court.
What did the Supreme Court decide regarding Lalu Prasad's plea?
The Supreme Court refused to entertain Lalu Prasad's plea to stay the trial court proceedings in the land-for-job case.
