High Stakes Legal Battle: Lalu Prasad Seeks Relief in Land-for-Jobs Scandal

Former rail minister Lalu Prasad has appealed to the Delhi High Court to quash the CBI's FIR against him in the land-for-jobs scam. Represented by senior advocate Kapil Sibal, Prasad argues the FIR lacks requisite legal sanction under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, while CBI counters that it has obtained sanction under Section 19. Justice Ravinder Dudeja is set to rule on the matter, which involves alleged job appointments during Prasad's tenure in exchange for land.

In a dramatic legal showdown, former rail minister Lalu Prasad has implored the Delhi High Court to nullify the Central Bureau of Investigation's FIR implicating him in the controversial land-for-jobs scam.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the Rashtriya Janata Dal leader, asserts that the investigation lacks the necessary legal backing, specifically the sanction under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, which mandates prior approval for inquiries against public servants. Sibal highlights the delay and alleged procedural lapses in the case.

Countering the defense's claims, the CBI's counsel, senior advocate D P Singh, maintains compliance with Section 19, allowing the case to proceed. The ongoing legal tussle underscores the complexity surrounding the case, with allegations linking job appointments during Prasad's rail ministry tenure to land transactions.

(With inputs from agencies.)