A Delhi court granted bail to Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav and his son, Tejashwi Yadav, on October 6, 2024, in the alleged “land-for-jobs” scam. The case, which has been under investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), pertains to accusations that during Lalu Prasad’s tenure as Union Railway Minister, land was taken in exchange for providing jobs in the Indian Railways. Both Lalu Prasad and Tejashwi, who is the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, appeared before the court and were granted bail on a personal bond.
Background of the Case
The land-for-jobs case dates back to Lalu Prasad Yadav’s tenure as the Railway Minister from 2004 to 2009, during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. The CBI alleges that Yadav, along with his family members, including his wife and former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi, accepted plots of land from individuals in exchange for providing them employment in the Railways. The land parcels, allegedly transferred at below-market rates, were registered in the names of Lalu’s family members.
The CBI filed a charge sheet in the case, accusing Lalu Prasad, Tejashwi, and other family members of conspiracy, cheating, and corruption. The agency has argued that the accused used their political influence to grant jobs in exchange for personal gains, violating the norms of fair recruitment practices.
The investigation has implicated several individuals, including those who allegedly provided the land parcels in return for jobs. The case is part of a larger investigation into corruption during Lalu Prasad Yadav’s political career, adding to the list of legal battles he has faced over the years.
Court Proceedings and Bail Grant
During the court proceedings, both Lalu Prasad Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav, along with other accused individuals, were present in the Delhi court. Their counsel argued that the accusations lacked sufficient evidence and were politically motivated, claiming that the case was being used to tarnish the image of the Yadav family ahead of crucial state elections.
The defense highlighted Lalu Prasad’s deteriorating health, as he has been suffering from multiple ailments and has already spent considerable time in judicial custody in connection with other corruption cases, including the fodder scam. The lawyers for Tejashwi Yadav argued that as the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, he holds a constitutional position and has fully cooperated with the investigation.
After hearing both sides, the court granted bail to Lalu Prasad and Tejashwi Yadav on a personal bond of ₹50,000 each. The court also imposed certain conditions, including that the accused must not leave the country without permission and must cooperate with the investigation.
The next hearing in the case is scheduled for December 2024, during which the court will begin examining the charge sheet filed by the CBI.
Political Reactions
The bail order for Lalu Prasad and Tejashwi Yadav has drawn widespread political reactions. Supporters of the RJD celebrated the court’s decision, with senior party leaders asserting that the case is politically motivated and aimed at derailing the political careers of Lalu Prasad’s family members. The party’s spokespersons reiterated their belief that the Yadavs will eventually be exonerated and that the case is part of a larger agenda by their political rivals to weaken the opposition.
Tejashwi Yadav, speaking to the media after the court proceedings, expressed confidence that justice will prevail. “We respect the judiciary, and we are confident that the truth will come out. These false cases are meant to distract us from our work for the people, but we will continue to fight for justice,” he stated.
On the other hand, leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) welcomed the progress in the case but criticized the Yadav family for trying to play the “victim card.” BJP spokespersons accused the RJD leadership of attempting to portray themselves as martyrs while being involved in corrupt practices. “This case is about accountability for corruption. The law will take its course, and no one is above the law, no matter how powerful they may be,” said a senior BJP leader.
Lalu Prasad’s Legal Challenges
Lalu Prasad Yadav has been embroiled in various corruption cases over the years, most notably the fodder scam, in which he has been convicted and served jail time. His involvement in the fodder scam led to significant legal setbacks, limiting his active role in politics. However, his son, Tejashwi Yadav, has since taken over the leadership of the RJD and has been a prominent figure in Bihar’s political landscape.
The land-for-jobs case is yet another challenge for the Yadav family as they navigate their legal battles while maintaining a strong political presence in Bihar. Despite the legal troubles, the Yadav family continues to command a loyal support base, particularly among the Yadav community and other marginalized groups in the state.
The bail granted to Lalu Prasad and Tejashwi Yadav in the land-for-jobs case is a temporary relief for the RJD leadership. However, the legal proceedings in the case are far from over, and the next few months will be crucial in determining the outcome. While the Yadav family has expressed confidence in their eventual acquittal, the case continues to cast a shadow over their political future. As the investigation unfolds, the case will remain a key issue in Bihar’s political discourse, particularly as the state heads toward another election cycle.