SC declines to quash land-for-jobs case against Lalu Yadav, exempted from personal appearance

The Supreme Court on Monday refused to quash the CBI FIR in the alleged land-for-jobs case involving RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav, while granting him exemption from appearing before the trial court. The bench made it clear that it would not interfere at this stage and allowed the trial to proceed.

A bench comprising Justice M M Sundresh and Justice N Kotiswar Singh granted liberty to Yadav to raise key legal issues, including the applicability of Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, during the course of the trial. The court clarified that it was not expressing any opinion on whether the provision applies retrospectively or prospectively.

During the hearing, Yadav’s counsel argued that prior sanction under Section 17A was necessary as the allegations were linked to his official role as Union Railway Minister between 2004 and 2009. However, the prosecution contended that the provision would not apply as Yadav was neither the decision-making nor recommending authority in the alleged transactions. The bench noted that such questions, including the role of influence, would be better examined during trial.

The case pertains to alleged irregular appointments in the railways during Yadav’s tenure, where Group-D jobs were allegedly given in exchange for land parcels transferred to his family members or associates. The CBI registered the case in 2022, and a trial court has already framed charges of corruption and criminal conspiracy against Yadav and others, including members of his family.

With the Supreme Court declining to intervene, the proceedings will now continue before the trial court. Yadav has been permitted to raise all legal objections at the appropriate stage, while remaining exempt from personal appearance during the trial.