Mon Jan 05 06:52:21 UTC 2026: Here’s a summary and news article rewrite:

Summary:

The Delhi High Court has requested the CBI to respond to a plea filed by RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav, challenging the framing of charges against him in the alleged IRCTC scam case. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma declined to halt the trial at this stage, pending review of the CBI’s response. The charges against Yadav and others, including his family members, stem from alleged corruption, cheating, and criminal conspiracy related to the awarding of contracts for railway hotels. The trial court previously observed that the transactions appeared to be an instance of crony capitalism.

News Article:

Delhi High Court Seeks CBI Response in Lalu Prasad Yadav’s IRCTC Scam Case Challenge

New Delhi – The Delhi High Court has issued a notice to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), requesting a response to a petition filed by RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav. Yadav is challenging a lower court’s order framing charges against him in the long-running IRCTC scam case.

Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, presiding over the case on Monday, January 5, 2026, opted not to stay the trial at this juncture, stating that a decision could not be made without first reviewing the CBI’s reply. The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on January 14th.

The case revolves around alleged irregularities in the awarding of contracts for the management of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) hotels in Ranchi and Puri. The trial court had previously framed charges against Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi, their son Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, and eleven others for offences including cheating, criminal conspiracy under the Indian Penal Code, and violations of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The High Court appeal follows an October 2025 trial court observation that the land and share transactions involved in the case suggested an instance of “crony capitalism” facilitated through private participation in the railway sector.

The charges against Lalu Yadav and several others also include alleged violations of the Prevention of Corruption Act, specifically relating to criminal misconduct by a public servant and abuse of position to obtain favors.

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