Delhi's Rouse Avenue court reserves order on charge in land for job case against Lalu Prasad, others

NEW DELHI: The Rouse Avenue court has reserved its judgment until October 13 in the land-for-jobs case against former railway minister and RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and others, following arguments from both the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the accused. The case involves allegations that railway jobs were provided in exchange for land during Yadav's tenure as Railway Minister.The CBI has filed charge sheets against Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Yadav, and others in this case. The investigation agency claims there is sufficient evidence to frame charges against the accused persons.Special Public Prosecutor DP Singh presented arguments on behalf of the CBI before Special Judge Vishal Gogne.Senior advocate Maninder Singh, representing Lalu Yadav, argued that the case is politically motivated. "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."The defense maintained that no rules were violated in the appointments. "No General Manager has stated that he ever met Lalu Prasad Yadav," Maninder Singh stated.Maninder Singh further argued, "Merely calling him a kingpin is not sufficient. There is no evidence against him."The defense counsel emphasized that all land transactions involved monetary payments. The court previously heard arguments on behalf of Rabri Devi on August 28.On August 19, Rabri Devi's counsel argued that purchasing land with money is not illegal. The defense stated, "No favour was given to any accused candidate, and these transactions are not connected."The senior advocate highlighted that the CBI needed to demonstrate corruption and prove that the land sold was purchased for consideration.The defense maintained that all applicants followed due processes, questioning, "Where is the corrupt practice? These acts are independent. No acts of the accused persons are connected."The CBI has filed charge sheets naming 99 accused persons in this case. The investigation agency alleges that group D substitute jobs were given in exchange for land.The court has completed hearing arguments on the framing of charges from both sides and will announce its decision next month.