Patna: Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court has postponed the order to frame charges against Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Yadav, Tej Pratap Yadav, Misa Bharti, Hema Yadav, and other accused. The court has asked the CBI to verify the status of the accused, as some of them died during the investigation.
When will the next hearing be? The court has asked the CBI to file a status report in the case and has scheduled the hearing for December 8th. The CBI had chargesheeted 103 people, of whom four died during the investigation. The next hearing date for this case has been set for December 8th. Will the Lalu family face increased difficulties or will they receive relief?: The CBI had filed a chargesheet against RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi, son Tejashwi Yadav, and others in the Land for Jobs scam. The special CBI court will decide whether there is sufficient evidence against the Lalu family and others in the case.
What is the Land for Jobs Scam?: In 2004, while serving as Railway Minister in the UPA government, Lalu Prasad Yadav acquired land from private individuals and granted them Group D jobs in the Railways (2004-2009). The CBI named Lalu Prasad Yadav and more than 100 others as accused in the case, including several members of his family. According to the CBI chargesheet, widespread corruption occurred in the case. Land parcels were transferred in exchange for appointments in the West Central Railway Zone.
Who are the accused in the case?: RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi, sons Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, Tej Pratap Yadav, daughters Misa Bharti, Hema Yadav, and others are accused in the land-for-jobs scam. A total of 100 people were named as accused in the case, with a final chargesheet filed against 78 of them.
Charges under which sections: The CBI filed a charge sheet in the Land for Jobs case under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 120B (conspiracy), 420 (cheating), 467, 468, and 471 (forgery), and sections 11, 12, 13(1)(d), 8, and 9 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. In the previous hearing, the court had framed charges only on the charges related to the IRCTC hotel scam.
“The sections under which the CBI has filed the case carry a minimum sentence of two years to life imprisonment. Section 120B is imposed for conspiracy. This section carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with imprisonment for life.” – Shailendra Jha, Senior Advocate, Patna High Court
What are the punishments under which sections?:
Section 8: Imprisonment for six months to five years with fine.
Section 9: Imprisonment for 6 months to 5 years with a fine.
Section 11: Imprisonment for 6 months to 5 years with a fine.
Section 12: Imprisonment for 3 years to 7 years with a fine.
Section 13 (1): Imprisonment for 1 year to 7 years with a fine.
120B: Imprisonment for up to life imprisonment with a fine.
420: Imprisonment for up to 2 years with a fine.
467: Imprisonment for up to 10 years with a fine.
468: Imprisonment for up to 7 years with a fine.
471: Imprisonment for up to 2 years with a fine.
Trouble or relief for Tejashwi? Senior political analyst Dr. Sanjay Kumar told ETV Bharat that the Lalu family has been facing difficulties since 2013 in the land-for-jobs case. Lalu Prasad Yadav and members of his family have been named as accused in this case several times. They have even had to appear in court in person. There are two cases involved in this case: one involving land for a job and the other involving the IRCTC case. Although Tejashwi Yadav is not an accused in the IRCTC case, the CBI has filed a charge sheet in it.
“Only a hearing will take place now; the verdict will take time. However, if Tejashwi Yadav is convicted in this case, it could cause political trouble for him. His political career could be adversely affected. If the court sentences him to more than two years, he could lose his membership in the Legislative Assembly.” – Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Political Analyst
Dr. Sanjay Kumar says that this case has been in court for a long time. The decision now depends entirely on the court and the investigation process. But it is certain that every update in this case directly impacts Bihar politics. The image of the Lalu family, the RJD’s support base, and the future political equations will all be impacted.
Land for Jobs Scam… So far: The CBI has filed a final charge sheet against 78 people in the land-for-jobs case. On January 20, 2024, the ED interrogated RJD supremo Lalu Prasad and Tejashwi Yadav for 10 hours. In the hearing held on October 7, 2024, all nine accused, including Lalu Prasad’s family, were granted bail. Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court granted bail to all on personal bonds of ₹1 lakh each.
