Supreme Court Rejects Lalu Prasad Yadav’s Plea in Land-for-Jobs Scam, Trial to Proceed

New Delhi, July 2025 — In a major setback for Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief and former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, the Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed his petition seeking to halt trial court proceedings and quash the CBI’s FIR in the infamous land-for-jobs scam. The decision comes just ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections and could have significant political implications for his son Tejashwi Yadav2.

🏛️ What Is the Case About?

The case dates back to 2004–2009, when Lalu served as Railway Minister. The CBI alleges that several individuals were appointed to Group-D posts in the Indian Railways in exchange for land parcels gifted or transferred to Lalu’s family members or associates. The FIR, filed in 2022, names Lalu, his wife Rabri Devi, daughters Misa Bharti and Hema Yadav, among others.

⚖️ Supreme Court’s Observations

A bench of Justices MM Sundresh and N Kotiswar Singh refused to intervene, stating that the matter is already under review by the Delhi High Court, which had earlier declined to stay the trial. The Supreme Court emphasized that the framing of charges by the trial court would not render the High Court petition infructuous4.

However, the Court granted exemption from personal appearance to Lalu in the trial court and directed the High Court to expedite the hearing of his main petition, which is scheduled for August 123.

🧾 Lalu’s Defense

Represented by Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, Lalu argued that the investigation was delayed by 14 years, and that reopening it after a closure report was legally flawed. He also claimed the probe violated Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, which requires prior government sanction for investigating public servants3.

📌 What’s Next?

With the Supreme Court refusing to stay the trial, proceedings in the lower court will continue. The Delhi High Court will now hear Lalu’s petition to quash the FIR on August 12, a date that could prove pivotal for his legal and political future4.