The Land for Jobs bribery scandal takes a new turn as Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court exempts key accused Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Yadav, and Tej Pratap Yadav from personal court attendance. The relief spans February 1 to 25, dedicated to framing formal charges in the CBI probe.
Misa Bharti and Hema Yadav, however, faced the court directly, pleading not guilty to the graft charges. Post-charge formalities, rigorous daily proceedings kick off on March 9, promising meticulous scrutiny of evidence against the influential family.
Echoes of Judicial Bias Claims
Rabri Devi’s prior application to Principal District Judge sought transfer of four cases from Special Judge Vishal Gogne’s court. Encompassing IRCTC scam, Land for Jobs, and ED’s money laundering actions, the plea accused the judge of prosecutorial tilt.
Detailed examples from case orders illustrated alleged bias, fostering a ‘reasonable apprehension of discrimination.’ Rabri stressed that such conduct undermines fair trial principles, necessitating shift to a neutral forum for upholding justice.
Case Chronology
Stemming from Lalu’s Railway Ministry era, the scam implicates job allotments in lieu of land transfers to relatives at throwaway prices. CBI’s findings exposed a pattern of benami properties and shell companies masking illicit gains.
Last year’s IRCTC charge framing by Judge Gogne set a precedent, prompting Rabri’s bias allegations. With exemptions granted but trials looming, the Yadavs’ defense team prepares for witness cross-examinations and forensic financial audits.
Political ripples extend to Bihar, where Tejashwi’s leadership faces testing amid opposition attacks. The March hearings could unearth more revelations, shaping public and judicial perceptions in this enduring corruption narrative.