The Delhi high court on Saturday dismissed RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav's plea to stay a trial court proceeding in connection with the 'land-for-jobs' scam, reported news agency ANI.
Lalu Prasad Yadav has been charged by the CBI for involvement in a land for jobs corruption case. (ANI)
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) have been investigating the former Bihar chief minister and his family, after he allegedly granted railway jobs in exchange for land parcels from candidates or their relatives.
The case was registered on May 18, 2022 against Lalu Yadav and others, including his wife, two daughters, unidentified public officials and private persons. In his petition in the high court, Lalu Yadav had sought the quashing of the FIR as well as the three chargesheets filed in 2022, 2023 and 2024 and the consequential orders of cognisance.
The trial court is slated to hear arguments on charges against the RJD chief on June 2.
Earlier in court, senior advocate Kapil Sibal had argued on behalf of Lalu Prasad Yadav and stated that the CBI enquiry, the resulting FIR and chargesheets could not be legally sustained as they had failed to obtain prior sanction under section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
{{/usCountry}}
{{#usCountry}}
Earlier in court, senior advocate Kapil Sibal had argued on behalf of Lalu Prasad Yadav and stated that the CBI enquiry, the resulting FIR and chargesheets could not be legally sustained as they had failed to obtain prior sanction under section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The sanction under section 17A is a mandatory requirement of law to launch any enquiry or investigation against a public servant, as per Sibal, reported ANI.
"What will I do if the charge is framed? Please wait for a month. We will argue the matter. For 14 years, you have waited (to register the FIR). This is only mala fide," Sibal submitted.
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
Senior advocate DP Singh, arguing on behalf of the CBI said, "It is a case where public servants were told by the cronies for the minister to do these selections and land was given in lieu. Therefore, it is called the land-for-jobs case. The minister was misusing his position."
He stated that under Section 19 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, necessary sanction for making charges had been obtained.
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.
Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.
Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.
Home/India News/Delhi high court dismisses Lalu Prasad Yadav's plea to stay proceeding in land-for-jobs case
{{^htLoading}}
Advertisement
{{/htLoading}}
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
{{#usCountry}}{{/usCountry}}
Hindustantimes wants to start sending you push notifications. Click allow to subscribe
