IRCTC Case Returns to Spotlight as Lalu Yadav Moves Delhi High Court Against Charges

Delhi: Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief and former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav has taken his legal battle in the IRCTC case to the Delhi High Court, challenging a lower court order that formally set criminal charges against him. The petition is expected to come up for hearing before the High Court on January 5, marking a crucial phase in one of the most politically sensitive corruption cases involving the veteran leader.

The challenge comes after a special court in Delhi last year decided there was enough material to proceed with charges of corruption, cheating, and criminal conspiracy. Apart from Lalu Yadav, the order also named his wife and former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi, and his son Tejashwi Yadav, who is currently the Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Assembly.

According to the prosecution, the case revolves around alleged irregularities in contracts awarded by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation during Lalu Yadav’s tenure as Union Railway Minister. Investigating agencies claim that rules linked to tender eligibility were altered to favour select private entities, leading to undue benefits and financial losses to public institutions.

The Central Bureau of Investigation has maintained that the contracts for IRCTC hotels were granted in return for assets allegedly transferred to individuals linked to the Yadav family. These claims form the backbone of the chargesheet filed after years of investigation into decisions taken between 2004 and 2009.

Lalu Yadav’s legal team has argued before the High Court that the trial court failed to properly assess the evidence and that the charges are politically motivated. The RJD has consistently described the case as an attempt to target its leadership ahead of key elections, while rival parties have cited it as an example of alleged misuse of power.