New Delhi, January 9 – The Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi delivered a significant verdict in the high-profile land-for-job case on Friday. The court acquitted 52 of the 98 accused, while framing charges against the remaining. It also noted that five accused have passed away, leaving 41 individuals to face the trial. The next hearing is scheduled for January 29.
The court has framed charges against former Railway Minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and several members of his family. Charges were specifically framed against Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, Tej Pratap Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav, Misa Bharti, and Hema Yadav.
According to the court, Lalu Prasad Yadav allegedly misused his position to acquire immovable properties in the names of his wife and children. The court observed that other accused actively aided the criminal conspiracy. It highlighted that a system operated wherein land was exchanged for railway jobs, with many receiving employment in exchange for their own or their relatives’ land.
The court stated that prima facie, Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family appear to be part of the criminal conspiracy, while others helped execute it. However, due to insufficient evidence, 52 accused were acquitted.
The charges against the accused have been framed under Sections 420 and 120B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and Sections 13(1)(d) and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
This case relates to the period when Lalu Prasad Yadav was the Railway Minister in the central government. It is alleged that during his tenure, land was taken from people in exchange for railway appointments.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.