President Droupadi Murmu has granted sanction to prosecute Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo and former Union Railways Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav in the ₹200 crore land-for-jobs scam, marking a significant step in the ongoing legal proceedings.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) allege that Yadav and his family received prime land parcels as bribes in exchange for jobs in the Indian Railways between 2004 and 2009. The President’s approval, granted under Section 197 of the Criminal Procedure Code (now Section 218 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023), enables a special court in Delhi to begin day-to-day hearings.
While the BJP has hailed the move as a victory for accountability, RJD leaders have dismissed it as a routine legal formality. The trial is expected to commence soon, with chargesheets already filed against Yadav, his family members, and close associates.
Presidential Nod Paves Way for High-Profile Trial
The President’s sanction, announced on May 8, 2025, follows months of investigation and legal wrangling. According to the ED, “land parcels worth over ₹200 crore were illegally acquired by the family of the then Railway Minister, Lalu Prasad Yadav, in lieu of jobs provided in the railways.” The CBI’s FIR and subsequent ED probe allege that candidates seeking Group D jobs transferred land to Yadav’s family members, often at nominal prices, sometimes through shell companies such as AK Infosystems Pvt Ltd and AB Exports Pvt Ltd.
The ED’s prosecution complaint, filed before a special PMLA court in Delhi, names Lalu Prasad Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi, son Tejashwi Yadav, daughters Misa Bharti and Hema Yadav, and alleged associate Amit Katyal. Officials say the President’s approval is a procedural necessity for prosecuting a former Union Minister, and will allow the special court for MPs and MLAs to conduct daily hearings.
RJD spokesperson Sanjay Yadav responded, “This is part of the legal process and not unexpected,” while BJP leaders described the development as a “step towards justice and accountability.”
Background: Years of Allegations and Political Tensions
The land-for-jobs case has its roots in Lalu Prasad Yadav’s tenure as Railways Minister from 2004 to 2009. Investigators claim that several individuals were appointed to Group D posts without proper advertisement, after transferring land to the Yadav family at undervalued rates.
The ED alleges that the current market value of the properties exceeds ₹200 crore, with the total proceeds of crime potentially reaching ₹600 crore. The probe further alleges that shell companies were used to launder illicit gains, and that properties were later sold for substantial profit.
The RJD has consistently denied wrongdoing, calling the case politically motivated. National spokesperson Subodh Kumar Mehta stated, “BJP has become nervous ahead of the 2025 Assembly polls. This is a false narrative against our leader Lalu Prasad out of fear of losing the elections.” The case has drawn widespread attention, given Yadav’s stature as a veteran politician and the ongoing debate over corruption in public office.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The President’s sanction for prosecution is a critical milestone in India’s ongoing battle against corruption and abuse of power. It signals that the rule of law applies to all, regardless of political influence or seniority. However, The Logical Indian urges that the legal process be conducted with utmost fairness, transparency, and respect for due process, ensuring that justice is neither delayed nor denied.
As society grapples with questions of integrity in public service, it is essential for citizens, officials, and leaders to uphold ethical standards and foster a culture of accountability. How can India strengthen its institutions to ensure timely and impartial justice, especially in high-profile cases involving public figures?
