Sat Jan 17 04:40:00 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Delhi High Court Seeks CBI Response on Rabri Devi’s Plea in IRCTC Scam Case

The Story:
The Delhi High Court has requested a response from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding a petition filed by former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi. The petition challenges a trial court order that framed charges against her in connection with the IRCTC scam case. Justice Swarnakanta Sharma, presiding over a single-judge bench, issued the notice to the CBI on Friday, scheduling the next hearing for Monday.

Devi’s petition seeks the annulment of the order passed by the Special CBI Judge of Rouse Avenue Court on October 13, 2025. She argues that the trial court’s decision to frame charges was based on mere conjecture and speculation, lacking concrete evidence to prove fraud, undue advantage, or loss of public funds. She maintains she was not involved in the tender process and held no position as a director or shareholder in the company in question.

Key Points:

  • The Delhi High Court is hearing a petition by former Bihar CM Rabri Devi related to the IRCTC scam.
  • The court has requested the CBI to respond to Devi’s petition challenging the framing of charges against her.
  • Justice Swarnakanta Sharma issued the notice, with the next hearing set for Monday.
  • Devi argues that the trial court’s order of October 13, 2025, was based on speculation and lacked solid evidence.
  • She claims she was not involved in the tender process or affiliated with the company involved.

Critical Analysis:

The timeline of events suggests a protracted legal battle for Rabri Devi in the IRCTC scam case. The refusal of the court to stay the trial against Lalu Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav prior to this hearing further emphasizes the legal pressure on the family. The timing of the IRCTC’s ticket booking changes preceding this event is unlikely causational but could be coincidental.

Key Takeaways:

  • Legal Scrutiny: Rabri Devi continues to face legal scrutiny in the IRCTC scam case.
  • CBI Involvement: The CBI’s response will be crucial in determining the future course of the legal proceedings.
  • Court’s Role: The Delhi High Court is actively reviewing the trial court’s decision.
  • Defense Strategy: Devi’s defense hinges on the argument of lacking concrete evidence and her non-involvement in the alleged fraudulent activities.
  • Potential Delays: The petition and subsequent hearings may lead to delays in the overall IRCTC scam trial.

Impact Analysis:

The outcome of this case has potentially significant political and legal ramifications. A favorable verdict for Rabri Devi could provide a boost to her party and allies, while an unfavorable one could further damage their reputation. The case also serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat corruption in public office and the accountability of those in positions of power. Depending on the final verdict, there may be considerable ramifications on public trust regarding infrastructure and government transparency.

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