Rouse Avenue Court reserved its order on framing of charges in the Land-for-Jobs scam case against former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Yadav and others, with the crucial decision now scheduled for October 13.
New Delhi: The Rouse Avenue court has postponed its decision regarding the charges in the land-for-job case involving former Railway Minister and RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and others.
Special Judge Vishal Gogne reserved the order on Wednesday after hearing the arguments from both the accused and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The CBI has filed a charge sheet against Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Yadav, and others, alleging that jobs in the Railways were exchanged for land.
The court is set to announce its order on October 13.
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Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) DP Singh represented the CBI, asserting that there is ample evidence to support charges against the accused.
Senior advocate Maninder Singh, defending Lalu Yadav, contended that the land-for-job case is politically motivated.
He stated,
“There is no evidence to show that jobs were given to candidates in lieu of land. The sale deeds show that lands were purchased for money.”
Maninder Singh argued that there was no breach of any appointment rules and that no jobs were granted in exchange for land.
He emphasized that there was no recommendation from the former Railway Minister for any candidates, adding,
“No General Manager has stated that he ever met Lalu Prasad Yadav.”
The senior counsel further maintained that there is no substantiated case of corruption, as he had not recommended any candidates.
He pointed out,
“Merely calling him a kingpin is not sufficient. There is no evidence against him.”
It was also argued that there is no indication that any land was acquired for free, as the land was purchased.
Earlier, On August 28, the court heard arguments concerning Rabri Devi’s involvement.
Earlier, on August 19, it was noted that Rabri Devi bought land and paid for it, with her counsel arguing that purchasing land with money is not a crime.
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The senior advocate asserted that the CBI needed to demonstrate corruption and that the land sold was obtained for a legitimate price.
He further claimed that all proper procedures were followed by the applicants, questioning,
“Where is the corrupt practice? These acts are independent. No acts of the accused persons are connected.”
The court has been hearing arguments regarding the framing of charges against Lalu Prasad and his family, with 99 accused in total in this case for which the CBI has filed charge sheets.
The CBI alleges that group D substitute jobs were provided in exchange for land.
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