The Delhi High Court has delivered a significant ruling in the ongoing IRCTC alleged scam case, refusing to grant a stay on the trial proceedings against veteran politician and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader, Lalu Prasad Yadav. The court has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to submit its official response on the matter.
Court's Directive to the Central Bureau of Investigation
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, presiding over the case, made it clear that the court could not issue any order on the stay application without first hearing from and reviewing the reply of the investigating agency. The bench emphasized the necessity of following due process, stating it cannot pass an order on the stay application without hearing or going through the reply of the probe agency.
The order was passed on Monday, 05 January 2026. The court has now asked the CBI to file its reply, after which it will consider the arguments for staying the trial. This development means the legal proceedings against the former Railway Minister will continue for the time being.
Background of the IRCTC Case
The case, often referred to in media as the 'IRCTC scam', pertains to allegations of irregularities during Lalu Prasad Yadav's tenure as the Railway Minister. The Central Bureau of Investigation has been investigating the matter, which involves accusations related to the awarding of contracts for operating hotels and catering services through the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC).
Lalu Yadav and other accused have denied any wrongdoing. The trial court had earlier taken cognizance of the chargesheet filed by the CBI, leading to the current legal battle where the defense sought a stay on the trial.
Implications and Next Steps
The Delhi High Court's refusal to immediately stay the trial is a crucial procedural step. It underscores the judiciary's approach of ensuring all parties, especially the prosecuting agency, are heard before any major interim relief is granted. The ball is now in the CBI's court to formally present its stance.
Legal experts suggest this order keeps the case active and signals that the court is proceeding methodically. The next hearing will be pivotal, as the court will examine the CBI's reply and then decide on the merits of the application seeking a stay on the trial proceedings. The outcome will have significant political and legal ramifications, given the high-profile nature of the accused.
For now, the trial court proceedings are set to continue unless a future order from the High Court dictates otherwise. All eyes will be on the CBI's submitted reply and the subsequent hearing date to be set by Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma's bench.
