New Delhi: The Delhi High Court is set to hear petitions filed by the Lalu Prasad Yadav family on Monday in the high-profile IRCTC hotel scam case. This development comes as the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief’s family challenges key decisions in the long-running corruption probe.
The case revolves around alleged irregularities in the tendering process for two IRCTC hotels in 2004. Lalu Yadav, former Railway Minister, and his family members face accusations of receiving kickbacks through shell companies linked to his wife Rabri Devi and daughter Misa Bharti. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has been probing money laundering angles since 2017.
Petitions before the court seek to quash summons issued against family members and challenge the validity of evidence collected by investigative agencies. Legal experts anticipate a detailed examination of procedural lapses claimed by the defense.
This hearing gains significance amid RJD’s political maneuvers in Bihar ahead of upcoming elections. Lalu Yadav, currently out on bail, remains a central figure in the state’s opposition politics despite multiple convictions in fodder scam cases.
The court will also address contentions over the ED’s attachment of properties worth crores allegedly acquired through scam proceeds. Sources indicate the bench may decide on interim relief for the petitioners.
As the nation watches, this case underscores ongoing scrutiny of political corruption from the UPA era. The outcome could impact not just the legal battles but also the family’s political standing in Bihar.