Lalu Prasad Moves Delhi HC to Quash ‘Land-for-Jobs’ FIR, Alleges Political Vendetta

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 30th May: Former Railway Minister and RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav has approached the Delhi High Court, seeking to cancel the FIR filed by the CBI in the controversial “land-for-jobs” case. The case revolves around allegations that during his tenure from 2004 to 2009, low-level railway jobs were given in exchange for land transfers linked to his family and associates.

Speaking for Lalu Prasad, senior lawyer Kapil Sibal told the court that the investigation and FIR are flawed because the CBI did not get the mandatory government permission under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act before launching the probe. This permission is legally required to investigate any public servant.

Sibal pointed out that although the CBI had initially closed the case, they reopened it in 2022—nearly 14 years after the alleged incidents—leading to multiple chargesheets being filed. “What will I do if charges are framed? Please give us time to argue this properly,” Sibal pleaded.

The CBI, through senior advocate D P Singh, disagreed, saying all necessary approvals under the law were obtained. Singh also emphasized that the case involves serious misuse of power, where appointments were made in exchange for land, describing it as a clear case of corruption.

The court suggested that Lalu Prasad could also raise the issue of missing sanction before the trial court, which had already begun hearing the case. But Sibal argued that the trial court is unlikely to reconsider and called the ongoing investigation unfair and motivated by political reasons.

The FIR names Lalu Prasad, his family members, and others. It was registered in 2022 following the reopening of the probe. Lalu’s plea asks the court to quash not only the FIR but also the chargesheets filed in the last three years.

The judge reserved his order after hearing arguments from both sides. The case highlights ongoing legal tussles in high-profile corruption investigations and the complex interplay of law and politics.