New Delhi/Patna: The Delhi High Court has rejected a plea by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad seeking to stay the trial court proceedings in the Central Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) ‘land-for-jobs’ case. The court ruled that Yadav could present his objections during the charge-framing stage in the lower court.
Justice Ravinder Dudeja dismissed the stay application, stating there were no compelling reasons to halt the proceedings. The matter is scheduled for arguments on charge before the special judge at Rouse Avenue Courts on June 2.
Lalu’s counsel, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, contended that the CBI initiated the investigation without obtaining the mandatory prior sanction under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act. He argued that this procedural lapse invalidated the entire case.
The CBI opposed the plea, asserting that the requirement of prior sanction under Section 17A does not apply to offences committed before the provision’s introduction. The agency maintained that the issue could be addressed during the trial court’s proceedings.
The case pertains to allegations that during Yadav’s tenure as Union Railways Minister (2004–2009), individuals were appointed to Group-D posts in exchange for land parcels transferred to Yadav’s family members or associates. The CBI filed its first chargesheet in October 2022, naming Lalu, his wife Rabri Devi, and daughter Misa Bharti among the accused.
The High Court emphasized that Lalu retains the opportunity to raise his objections before the trial court, providing an avenue to contest the charges at the appropriate stage.
