Lalu Prasad Yadav Moves Delhi High Court Against Charges in Land-for-Jobs Case

Former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav has approached the Delhi High Court challenging the criminal charges framed against him in the alleged land-for-jobs scam. The case relates to appointments made in the Indian Railways during his tenure as Union Railway Minister.

The matter was heard by Justice Manoj Jain of the Delhi High Court. During the hearing, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) assured the Court that it would not examine approvers as witnesses in the trial court until the High Court decides Yadav’s challenge to the charges.

Additional Solicitor General DP Singh, appearing for the CBI, made the statement before the Court. He clarified that the prosecution would not place the approvers on the witness stand for the time being, while the High Court considers the petition filed by the former railway minister.

An approver in a criminal case is typically a co-accused or participant in the alleged crime who confesses and agrees to testify against others in exchange for a pardon or reduced punishment. In this case, statements from such approvers form a key part of the prosecution’s case.

Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal and Senior Advocate Maninder Singh appeared on behalf of Lalu Prasad Yadav. They argued that the trial court proceedings were moving forward rapidly while the legality of the charges themselves was under challenge before the High Court.

The High Court briefly heard the matter and scheduled detailed arguments for March 17, 18, 23 and 24.

Earlier, on January 9, a trial court at Rouse Avenue Courts framed charges against Lalu Prasad Yadav in the case. His family members, including individuals associated with him, were also charged with offences including cheating and criminal conspiracy.

Special Judge Vishal Gogne held that the allegations suggested a larger conspiracy in which public employment was allegedly used as a means to obtain properties. According to the order, several accused persons were part of an organised arrangement involving railway appointments and land transactions.

Out of the 98 accused individuals in the case, the trial court framed charges against 46 persons while discharging 52 others.

The case arises from allegations by the CBI that between 2004 and 2009, when Yadav served as Railway Minister, certain candidates were appointed to Group-D posts in the Railways in exchange for land transferred to his family members at significantly lower prices.

Investigators claim that several job applicants or their relatives transferred land parcels in Patna and nearby areas to companies or individuals linked to the Yadav family. According to the agency, these transfers formed part of a quid pro quo arrangement linked to employment.

However, the Yadav family has consistently denied the allegations, describing the case as politically motivated.

During the hearing, Kapil Sibal argued that the Railway Minister had no direct role in the recruitment of Class-D employees. He also questioned the prosecution’s reliance on approver statements, pointing out that none of the candidates who received jobs had alleged that they paid a bribe.

Sibal further argued that in at least one instance cited by investigators, the land transaction occurred several years after Yadav had demitted office as Railway Minister.

Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate is also investigating the money-laundering aspect of the case. The agency has reportedly attached properties worth more than ₹600 crore, claiming them to be proceeds of crime.

The Delhi High Court will now examine Yadav’s challenge to the criminal charges before the trial proceeds further.