Delhi Court Fixes March 9 as Trial Start Date in Land-for-Jobs Scam
A Delhi court on Thursday announced that the trial in the high-profile land-for-jobs case against former railway minister Lalu Prasad Yadav and several other accused individuals will officially commence from March 9. Special Judge Vishal Gogne, presiding over the matter, directed that prosecution evidence be recorded on a day-to-day basis to ensure expeditious proceedings.
Formal Framing of Charges and Court Proceedings
The court was hearing the case, which was listed for the formal framing of charges. This development follows the court's earlier order on January 9, where it had mandated the framing of charges against Lalu Prasad Yadav, his family members, and other co-accused. In a significant move, the court has framed charges against 41 accused persons, while 52 individuals have been discharged from the case.
Of the total 103 accused named in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) chargesheet, five have since passed away. During Thursday's hearing, the court granted exemption from physical appearance to key figures including Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, Tej Pratap Yadav, and some others. However, Misa Bharti and Hema Yadav appeared before the court and formally denied the charges leveled against them.
Court Directives and Upcoming Dates
In its latest order, the court issued specific directives for the continuation of the legal process. It has directed four accused individuals to appear before it on February 10 for the framing of charges. Furthermore, the court has scheduled the recording of prosecution evidence to take place from March 9 to March 28, marking a structured timeline for the trial proceedings.
Judge's Observations in Detailed Order
Special Judge Vishal Gogne elaborated on the findings in a comprehensive 346-page order. He stated, "The court finds ... that there existed an overarching criminal conspiracy, mentored by Lalu Prasad Yadav, towards using public employment as a bargaining chip for receiving immovable properties through his wife Rabri Devi, daughters Misha Bharti and Hema Yadav, as well as sons Tejashwi Prasad Yadav and Tej Pratap Yadav from willing job seekers."
This observation underscores the alleged mechanism where public employment opportunities were purportedly exchanged for land and properties, implicating multiple family members in the scheme. The court's detailed order highlights the systematic nature of the accusations, pointing to a coordinated effort to leverage official positions for personal gain.
The case continues to draw significant public and media attention, reflecting broader concerns about corruption and accountability in public office. The scheduled trial dates mark a critical phase in the judicial process, with daily evidence recording aimed at ensuring a thorough and timely resolution.
