Lalu Family Objects to Daily Trial in IRCTC Scam, Citing Difficulty in Managing ‘Election Campaign and Case Together’

Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, and Tejashwi have opposed the day-to-day trial in the IRCTC scam case. They requested a four-week deferral due to their election campaign and other pending matters.

The troubles for RJD Chief Lalu Prasad Yadav have increased once again. His wife, former CM Rabri Devi, and son Tejashwi Yadav are also facing difficulties. This relates to the high-profile IRCTC scam case in Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court.

Appeal to Halt Day-to-Day Trial

However, the Yadav family appealed to the court. They asked to stop the daily trial proceedings. They claimed they are currently busy with election campaigning. They also mentioned handling several legal cases simultaneously. The court has sought a response from the CBI on this plea.

Deferral Sought Due to Four Cases

Senior advocate Maninder Singh represented the Lalu family in the Rouse Avenue Court. He argued that four separate criminal cases are already pending against the Yadav family. Daily hearings have been ordered in all these cases. Thus, preparing for all matters has become very tough for the lawyers. He noted they need ample time to study the charge sheet. The document is about 18,000 pages long. The court’s order is also 250 pages.

Lalu Family Busy with Poll Campaign

The counsel told the court that his clients are engaged in the Bihar Assembly election campaign. He sought a four-week adjournment. This would allow them to fully understand all documents and testimonies. He also argued the defense deserves time to understand the order. This order took the court four months to prepare.

CBI Opposes, Says Delay Not Proper

The CBI strongly opposed this petition by the Lalu family. The agency argued against delaying the trial. The Supreme Court mandated speedy trials for cases involving MPs and MLAs. CBI Special Judge Vishal Gogne noted the Supreme Court’s recent instruction. It directed trial courts to restart daily hearings. The court handed over a copy of the Lalu family’s application to the CBI. It then asked the agency for its reply.

What is the Full Case?

According to the CBI, Lalu Yadav was Railway Minister from 2004 to 2009. During this time, two IRCTC hotels were improperly leased. These were in Ranchi and Puri. They were given to a private firm, Sujata Hotels. In exchange, the Yadav family allegedly received valuable land and shares cheaply. The Lalu family calls these charges a political conspiracy. On October 13, the court framed charges against Lalu, Rabri, and Tejashwi Yadav. The charges included fraud, conspiracy, and corruption. The court will now decide if the trial will be daily or if relief will be granted.