New Delhi, October 30, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
A Delhi court on Friday exempted Rabri Devi and her son, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, from personal appearance for the day in the alleged money laundering case linked to the IRCTC hotel scam, but directed them to appear in person on November 19 for formal framing of charges.
The matter was heard by the Rouse Avenue Court. Counsel for Rabri Devi cited medical reasons for her absence, while Tejashwi Yadav’s lawyer informed the court that his flight had been delayed and that he could reach the court by 2 pm. The court, however, granted exemption to both for the day and fixed November 19 for the next hearing.
During the proceedings, counsel for RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav told the court that the Delhi High Court had issued notice to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on his plea challenging the trial court’s order framing charges. The lawyer also said the High Court had allowed him to seek an adjournment until the next hearing in the matter on December 3.
The trial court clarified that all accused who had not obtained a stay from the High Court would have to appear before it on the next date.
In September, Special Judge Vishal Gogne of the Rouse Avenue Court framed charges against Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Yadav and others, finding a prima facie case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Seven accused were discharged.
The ED alleges that irregularities in contracts for operating IRCTC hotels during Lalu Prasad Yadav’s tenure as Union Railway Minister from 2004 to 2009 generated proceeds of crime. It has claimed that contracts were awarded to a private company linked to his associates in return for the alleged transfer of three acres of prime land through a benami company.
The case originates from a CBI-registered predicate offence. Lalu Prasad Yadav has denied wrongdoing and maintained that the hotel contracts were awarded fairly and transparently.
FOLLOW NOW
