IRCTC Scam: Lalu Yadav Approaches Delhi High Court Against Trial Court Order

New Delhi: Former Bihar Chief Minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav has approached the Delhi High Court against the framing of charges regarding his alleged involvedment in the IRCTC scam. 

What is the issue?

A lower court had framed charges of corruption and criminal conspiracy against Lalu Yadav and others. The petition is listed for hearing before the bench of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma on Monday. In October 2025, a special court at Rouse Avenue framed charges against Lalu Prasad Yadav in connection with alleged irregularities in the awarding of tenders by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). In this case, charges of criminal conspiracy and fraud have also been framed against Lalu Yadav's wife and former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi, and his son Tejashwi Yadav, among others.

What did the court say?

While framing the charges, the court of Special Judge Vishal Gogne had stated that Lalu Prasad Yadav (when he was the Railway Minister) allegedly misused his official position to manipulate the eligibility criteria in the land tender process. 

“Prima facie, it is established that Lalu Prasad Yadav was fully aware of this alleged conspiracy at the time and actively participated in the decision-making process. This resulted in significant loss to the government exchequer. The case originated from an FIR filed by the CBI in 2017 against Lalu Prasad Yadav, his family members, IRCTC officials, and other private individuals,” the court said. 

Apart from Lalu, his wife Rabri Devi, who is also a former chief minister of Bihar and their son Tejashwi Yadav - the current Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar assembly - also face allegations of criminal conspiracy and cheating in relation to tender irregularities by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC).

What did the CBI say?

The CBI alleged that between 2004 and 2009 (when Yadav was the Railway Minister), a criminal conspiracy was hatched to award IRCTC hotel tenders in Patna and Puri to favored parties, in exchange for bribes in the form of prime land and shares. 

After completing the investigation, the CBI filed a charge sheet against Lalu Prasad Yadav and 11 other accused.