The Delhi High Court has sought a response on a plea filed by RJD chief and former Union Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, in which he has questioned a trial court order framing charges against him in the alleged IRCTC hotel corruption case.
A bench led by Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma issued notice to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) after hearing preliminary submissions. The petition challenges an order passed by the trial court that framed charges of criminal conspiracy, cheating, and corruption-related offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act against Lalu Prasad Yadav and several other accused, including members of his family.
The case relates to allegations that, during Lalu Prasad Yadav’s tenure as Railway Minister, contracts for the operation and maintenance of IRCTC hotels in Ranchi and Puri were awarded in a manner that unfairly favoured a private entity. Investigators have alleged that the contracts were part of a quid pro quo arrangement, under which properties and company shares were later transferred to the former minister’s family at undervalued rates.
In its earlier order, the trial court had observed that the sequence of transactions and contractual decisions warranted a full trial, noting that the allegations raised serious questions about misuse of official position. Lalu Prasad Yadav, however, has argued before the High Court that the charges were framed mechanically, without sufficient material to establish a prima facie case.
Following the issuance of notice, the High Court has directed the CBI to file its response and listed the matter for further hearing on a later date. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal appeared on behalf of Lalu Prasad Yadav, while the CBI was represented by its special public prosecutor.
The High Court’s decision to examine the plea marks another significant stage in the long-pending IRCTC hotel case, which continues to attract close legal and political attention.
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