A Delhi court has framed charges against Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) president Lalu Prasad Yadav, his family members, and several others in the alleged Railways land-for-jobs case, paving the way for a full-fledged criminal trial.
The order was passed by Special Judge Vishal Gogne at the Rouse Avenue Courts complex after the court found sufficient material to indicate a prima facie case against the accused. Those facing charges include Lalu Prasad Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi, sons Tejashwi Yadav and Tej Pratap Yadav, daughter Misa Bharti, along with former railway officials and alleged middlemen.
The case relates to appointments allegedly made in the Indian Railways between 2004 and 2009, when Lalu Prasad Yadav served as the Union Railway Minister. The prosecution claims that Group-D railway jobs were granted to candidates in return for land parcels that were transferred to members of the Yadav family or their associates at prices significantly below market value.
According to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the land transactions were structured in a manner that benefitted the accused while bypassing lawful recruitment procedures. The agency alleges that the transfers were not genuine commercial deals but were instead part of a quid pro quo arrangement linked to public employment.
After examining the charge sheets and submissions from both sides, the court held that the allegations, if taken at face value, disclose offences under provisions of the Indian Penal Code, including cheating and criminal conspiracy, as well as sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The judge observed that the material on record suggests misuse of official position for personal gain.
While some of the accused named in earlier stages of the investigation were discharged, the court ruled that there was adequate evidence to proceed against the principal accused and several others. The framing of charges signifies that the court believes the case merits a detailed examination through trial.
The accused have consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that the land transactions were lawful and unrelated to railway appointments. They are expected to challenge the court’s order before a higher forum.
The case is one of several corruption matters involving Lalu Prasad Yadav and has drawn significant political attention due to the involvement of senior leaders from Bihar. Parallel proceedings, including a money-laundering probe by the Enforcement Directorate, are also ongoing.
With charges now framed, the court will move to the next stage of the proceedings, where evidence will be formally recorded and witnesses examined.
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