IRCTC Case: Delhi HC Asks ED for Response on Lalu Prasad Yadav’s Plea
Delhi High Court issues notice to ED after Lalu Prasad Yadav challenges money laundering charges in the IRCTC hotel tender case.
The Delhi High Court has stepped into the legal battle surrounding the Lalu Prasad Yadav IRCTC case, issuing a formal notice to the Enforcement Directorate (ED). This move comes after the former Bihar Chief Minister filed a petition challenging the framing of money laundering charges against him.
The Legal Challenge
The petition filed by the RJD chief targets a September 10, 2026, order from the Rouse Avenue Court. That order had framed charges under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) concerning alleged irregularities in hotel tenders. These tenders were reportedly issued during Yadav's tenure as the Union Railway Minister between 2004 and 2009.
In his plea, Lalu Prasad Yadav has launched a scathing critique of the trial court's decision, describing it as "ex-facie perverse and unsustainable in law." The veteran politician asserts that he was never involved in any activities linked to the alleged proceeds of crime. Furthermore, he claims that the ED never even summoned him for questioning during the investigation.
The Trial Court's Perspective
The charges were originally framed by Special Judge Vishal Gogne, who oversaw the proceedings at the Rouse Avenue Court. Judge Gogne had noted that the evidence available on record raised a "strong suspicion" of the abuse of official office. The judge also explicitly stated that the investigation was not driven by political motivations.
Lalu Prasad Yadav is not the only person facing the heat in this case. The trial court framed charges against nine individuals, including:
- Rabri Devi (Yadav’s wife)
- Tejashwi Yadav (Yadav’s son)
- Prem Chand Gupta (Former Union Minister)
- Sarla Gupta
- Representatives from LARA Projects LLP and Sujata Hotel Pvt Ltd
What Happens Next?
Justice Sachin Datta, who is presiding over the matter in the High Court, has scheduled the next hearing for December 3, 2026. In the meantime, the court has granted Yadav the liberty to seek an adjournment from the trial court.
While the High Court has provided some relief by staying the framing of charges specifically against Sujata Hotel Pvt Ltd, the legal clock continues to tick for the others. The trial for the remaining accused, including Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family members, remains listed at the Rouse Avenue Court for October 30, 2026.