The Delhi High Court has stepped into the ongoing legal battle surrounding the alleged IRCTC scam, directing the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to respond to a petition filed by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav. The young politician is challenging a trial court order that framed criminal charges against him in the high-profile case.
Court Issues Notice, Sets Next Hearing Date
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma of the Delhi High Court took cognizance of the matter on Tuesday. The court formally issued a notice to the CBI based on Tejashwi Yadav's petition, which also includes an application seeking a stay on the trial court proceedings. The bench has scheduled the next hearing for January 14, 2025. Notably, on the same day, the High Court will also hear a similar petition filed by Tejashwi's father and former railway minister, Lalu Prasad Yadav, who is a co-accused in the case.
Background: The Trial Court's Order and Charges
The development comes after a trial court, on October 13, 2025, ordered the framing of charges against a total of 14 individuals. The accused include Lalu Prasad Yadav, his wife and former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi, their son Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, and 11 others.
The case stems from alleged irregularities in the awarding of operational contracts for two hotels belonging to the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) to a private firm during Lalu Prasad's tenure as the Railway Minister. The charges invoked by the trial court are serious and carry substantial prison terms.
Breakdown of Legal Charges
The charges framed encompass sections of both the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Prevention of Corruption Act (PC Act).
Under the Prevention of Corruption Act: Charges were framed against Lalu Prasad Yadav and several others, including Pradeep Kumar Goel and Rakesh Saksena, under Section 13(2) read with Section 13(1)(d)(ii) and (iii). These sections deal with criminal misconduct by a public servant, specifically the abuse of official position to obtain any undue advantage.
Under the Indian Penal Code: The court directed that charges under IPC Section 420 (cheating) be framed against Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Yadav, and others including Vijay Kochhar and Prem Chand Gupta.
Furthermore, a common charge of criminal conspiracy under IPC Section 120B was directed to be framed against all 14 accused, linked with the cheating and corruption charges. The potential punishments are severe: the PC Act charges carry a maximum imprisonment of 10 years, while the cheating charge under IPC 420 carries a maximum sentence of 7 years.
The Road Ahead in the Legal Process
By approaching the High Court, both Tejashwi and Lalu Prasad Yadav have initiated the next phase of their legal defense, seeking to quash the charges before the trial begins in the lower court. The High Court's decision on their pleas and the CBI's response will be crucial in determining the future course of this politically sensitive case. All eyes will now be on the proceedings scheduled for January 14.
