Legal Battle Unfolds in Bihar's Land-for-Jobs Controversy

Rabri Devi's counsel argues in a New Delhi court about the alleged 'land-for-jobs' case involving former Bihar CM and RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav. The defense claims a lack of quid pro quo, asserting that land sales happened out of financial need, not for job exchanges.

In a significant legal proceeding on Tuesday, Rabri Devi's attorney presented a defense in the contentious 'land-for-jobs' case, asserting there was no quid pro quo involving the former Bihar Chief Minister and RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav. Special Judge Vishal Gogne is presiding over the case, which involves serious allegations against Yadav and others, following the deaths of four among the 103 accused.

Maninder Singh, the senior advocate representing Devi, emphasized that payments were made post-land purchase, negating any illegal benefit from job appointments in exchange for land. He highlighted the prosecution's assertion of land sales being driven by the requirement for funds, questioning the basis of claims that Devi benefited from unpaid land transfers.

The prosecution contends that during Yadav's term as railway minister, land parcels were allegedly gifted or transferred by recruits in exchange for appointments in the West Central Railway's Group-D category. The defense insists legitimate land purchases occurred without improper exchanges, as hearings continue.

(With inputs from agencies.)