Land-for-job scam: Delhi court grants CBI more time to file reports in corruption case involving Lalu Yadav

RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav. Filepic

A Delhi court on Monday granted additional time to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to file verification reports in the alleged land-for-job corruption case. The alleged land-for-job scam involves Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav, his family members, and other accused.

Special Judge (Prevention of Corruption Act) Vishal Gogne of the Rouse Avenue Courts deferred the hearing on the framing of charges till December 19 after the probe agency sought more time to file verification reports of all accused persons, reported IANS.

It has also been reported that the Delhi court is examining whether charges are to be framed under Sections 120B, 420, 467, 468, and 471 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), along with provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

However, in an earlier hearing held on December 11, the court had also deferred the matter and granted the CBI additional time to file verification reports.

The CBI in the court highlighted that "large-scale corruption occurred between 2004 and 2009 when Lalu Prasad was the Union Railway Minister."

Investigation agencies further alleged that parcels of land were acquired in the names of Lalu's family members and a company linked to them, often at rates below market value and largely through cash transactions.

The agency further asserted that, "In return, jobs in Group ‘D' posts across various railway zones were allegedly provided to those who transferred the land," as cited by news agency IANS.

While the Union Home Ministry has already granted sanction to the CBI to prosecute Lalu Prasad in the corruption case, both the ED and the CBI continue to conduct parallel investigations into the alleged Rs 600-crore money-laundering trail linked to land transfers in Patna.

Earlier in July, the Supreme Court had also refused to entertain Lalu Prasad Yadav's plea seeking a stay on trial proceedings in the land-for-job case.

RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav had also filed a special leave petition (SLP) challenging the Delhi High Court's rejection of his request to halt the trial after the CBI filed multiple charge sheets under the Prevention of Corruption Act, reported by IANS.

Recently, the Principal District and Sessions Judge-cum-Special Judge (PC Act) had issued notices to the CBI on transfer pleas filed by former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi, who had sought that the corruption case be shifted out of the court of Special Judge Gogne.

(With inputs from IANS)