SC slams Lalu Yadav's plea, land for jobs scam case to proceed

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Trouble may increase for former Railway Minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad Yadav. The Supreme Court on Monday refused to grant him relief in the "Land for Jobs" scam, dismissing his petition.

Lalu Prasad Yadav had filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking quashing of the CBI FIR and chargesheet. A bench of Justices MM Sundaresh and NK Singh heard the case on Monday. After hearing all parties, the petition was dismissed.

However, the Supreme Court exempted Lalu Yadav from personal appearance during the trial court proceedings. The order stated, "The petitioner is exempted from personal appearance before the trial court."

Last month, the Delhi High Court dismissed Lalu Prasad Yadav's petition. Yadav argued that the CBI had not obtained the necessary sanction to prosecute him, and therefore, the entire case should be dismissed. However, the High Court rejected this argument, stating that the petition lacked merit and that due process had been followed in this case.

It is noteworthy that the 'Land for Jobs' case relates to allegations that during his tenure as Railway Minister between 2004 and 2009, Lalu Prasad Yadav misused his position to make appointments in the Railways, in return for which parcels of land were transferred to his family members or entities associated with him.

According to the CBI, the candidates or their relatives allegedly transferred land at below-market prices, which was offered in exchange for jobs in various railway zones. However, Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family members deny these allegations and claim innocence.