In a significant setback for Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, the Delhi High Court on Tuesday dismissed his plea seeking the quashing of a First Information Report (FIR) registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the alleged land-for-jobs case.
During the hearing, the court observed that the petition lacked merit and was “devoid of substance,” rejecting Yadav’s request to cancel the FIR. The ruling clears the way for the CBI to continue its investigation into the allegations, which have been under scrutiny for the past few years.
The case revolves around claims that land parcels were taken in exchange for jobs in the Indian Railways during Yadav’s tenure as railway minister between 2004 and 2009. Investigators allege that several appointments, particularly in Group D posts, were made in return for land that was either gifted or transferred to Yadav’s family members or close associates.
The appointments in question are linked to the West Central Zone of the Indian Railways, headquartered in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. According to officials, the recruitment process was marred by irregularities and favoritism, raising serious concerns about corruption and abuse of office.
Yadav had challenged the FIR and the subsequent investigation, arguing that the proceedings were legally unsustainable. He cited the absence of prior sanction under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, which he claimed was mandatory for the CBI to initiate action against a public servant.
However, the court was not convinced by this argument and declined to interfere with the FIR, effectively allowing the investigative process to proceed unhindered.
The CBI registered the case on May 18, 2022, naming Yadav and several others as accused. These include his wife, two daughters, unidentified public officials, and private individuals allegedly involved in the transactions.
At present, Yadav, 77, along with the other accused, is out on bail. With the High Court’s ruling, no immediate relief has been granted to the veteran politician, and the probe into the alleged land-for-jobs scandal will continue.
The decision marks an important development in a case that has drawn considerable political and legal attention, and its outcome could have far-reaching implications for those involved.
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