A Delhi court has framed charges against RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family, paving the way for trial in the alleged land-for-jobs scam linked to his tenure as railway minister.
BY PC Bureau
New Delhi: January 9, 2026: A Delhi court on Friday framed charges against Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and several members of his family in the alleged land-for-jobs scam, clearing the way for a full-fledged trial in the high-profile corruption case.
The case relates to the period when Lalu Yadav served as Union railway minister during the UPA government between 2004 and 2009. The court’s order marks a significant step forward after years of investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Special judge Vishal Gogne said there was sufficient material on record to indicate offences of corruption, cheating and criminal conspiracy. Charges have been framed under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act against Lalu Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi, sons Tejashwi Yadav and Tej Pratap Yadav, daughters Misa Bharti and Hema Yadav, along with several others.
In strong observations, the judge said Lalu Yadav and his family members appeared to have “operated as a criminal enterprise”, allegedly using public employment in the Indian Railways as a bargaining tool to acquire immovable properties.
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The court noted that the CBI chargesheet pointed to the involvement of close aides of Lalu Yadav, who allegedly facilitated the transfer of land in exchange for railway jobs across different zones in the country.
The special court also rejected pleas seeking discharge from the case, calling the arguments advanced by Lalu Yadav and his family members “completely unwarranted”.
#Breaking
Delhi court frames criminal charges against Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Yadav, Tej Pratap Yadav, Misa Bharti and several others in the alleged Railways land-for-jobs scam. @laluprasadrjd @RabriDeviRJD @RJDforIndia @CBIHeadquarters pic.twitter.com/uKFVJL1ybf— Bar and Bench (@barandbench) January 9, 2026
According to the court order, out of 98 surviving accused named in the case, charges have been framed against 46, including members of the Yadav family, while 52 accused have been discharged.
The next hearing in the matter has been scheduled for January 29.
The CBI has alleged that land parcels were transferred in the names of Lalu Yadav’s family members and a company linked to them, often at prices far below market value and largely through cash transactions. In return, jobs were allegedly provided in the Railways.
Separately, the Enforcement Directorate is probing a possible money-laundering trail linked to the land transfers, particularly in Patna.
