Delhi court rejects Lalu Yadav's plea to quash CBI FIR in land-for-jobs scam case

The Delhi High Court has rejected former Railways Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav's plea to quash the CBI FIR in the land-for-jobs scam case. The High Court ruled that the petition was devoid of merit since the CBI had acquired the requisite sanction. Lalu Yadav had argued that under the Prevention of Corruption Act, the CBI could not have initiated prosecution without prior sanction from the government, as the alleged offences were committed during 2004 to 2009 when he held government office. He also contended that the FIR, lodged in 2022 after a delay of 14 years, reflected biased investigation. Justice Navinder Dubeja refused to interfere with the trial court proceedings, which means the trial can now proceed. The charge sheet has been filed, cognisance taken, and framing of charges completed. Lalu Yadav's wife and son are also accused in the case. The next legal recourse available is an appeal to the Supreme Court.