On Monday, the Rouse Avenue Court officially charged former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav and former Chief Minister of Bihar, Rabri Devi, in a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) case related to a land-for-job scam. Both Yadav and Devi appeared in court, denying the allegations and asserting their intention to contest the charges. This case pertains to the alleged provision of Railway Group D jobs in exchange for land from candidates.

Special Judge Vishal Gogna confirmed the charges against Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi. The court mandated that the accused must appear in person unless video conferencing is permitted. Misa Bharti mentioned that due to her age and health, the court allowed her to appear via video conferencing. On January 9, the Rouse Avenue Court had instructed the filing of charges against Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Yadav, Tej Pratap Yadav, Misa Bharti, and other accused in the land-for-job scam.

While framing the charges, the CBI special court noted that, prima facie, a conspiracy was orchestrated under Lalu Prasad Yadav's guidance to acquire real estate from job seekers through family members using government jobs. The court further stated that Yadav and his family operated like a syndicate. It acquitted 52 defendants, including Chief Personnel Officers (CPOs) and railway officials. During the proceedings, five defendants passed away. The CBI had filed a charge sheet against 103 individuals, accusing them of criminal conspiracy, fraud, and violations under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The special judge remarked that the documents indicated a clear connection between land acquisition and job offers. During the hearings, senior lawyer Maninder Singh, representing Lalu Prasad Yadav, argued that the land-for-job case is politically motivated. He asserted that there is no evidence to support claims that jobs were provided in exchange for land, citing sale deeds that show the land was purchased with money.