IRCTC scam case: Delhi High Court seeks response from CBI on Tejashwi Yadav's petition. The petition challenges the order to frame charges. The next hearing in the case will be on January 14.
New Delhi: Political and legal activity has intensified regarding Bihar's former Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav in the IRCTC scam case. The Delhi High Court has sought a response from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tejashwi Yadav's petition, in which he has challenged the lower court's order to frame charges against him. The court has issued a notice to the CBI directing it to file an affidavit. The next hearing in the matter has been scheduled for January 14.
High Court's approach to Tejashwi Yadav's petition
During the hearing in the Delhi High Court, Tejashwi Yadav argued that the grounds on which the lower court framed charges against him are not legally sustainable. The petition stated that the charges leveled against him under criminal conspiracy and the Prevention of Corruption Act are not based on a correct interpretation of facts and law. Based on this, the petition sought the cancellation of the order to frame charges.
Detailed response sought from CBI
The court has sought a clear response from the CBI in the entire matter. The court said that the investigating agency must state what concrete evidence and legal basis exist for framing the charges. Additionally, the CBI must file an affidavit clarifying why the further proceedings of the trial should continue.
Notice issued earlier on Lalu Yadav's petition
This matter is also significant because the Delhi High Court had earlier sought a response from the CBI on the petition filed by Tejashwi Yadav's father and former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav in the same IRCTC scam case. Lalu Yadav has also challenged the decision of the lower court to frame charges against him in the High Court. Now, the petitions of both father and son are before the court in this matter.
Difficulties increased by lower court order
On October 13, 2025, the lower court issued a major order in the IRCTC scam case. The court directed the framing of charges against Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Yadav, and 11 other accused. The lower court believed that the case was related to abuse of position by a public servant to provide private benefits and criminal misconduct. Based on this, orders were given to prosecute under the Prevention of Corruption Act and Section 420 of the Indian Penal Code.
Sections under which charges were framed
The lower court stated in this case that serious charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act are made against the accused. In addition, instructions were also given to prosecute under Section 420 of the IPC, i.e., fraud. The court framed charges against Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Yadav, as well as M/s Lara Projects LLP, Vijay Kochhar, Vinay Kochhar, Sarla Gupta, and Prem Chand Gupta.
What is the IRCTC scam?
The IRCTC scam relates to the operation of two hotels connected to the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation. It is alleged that during Lalu Prasad Yadav's tenure as Railway Minister, the operation of these hotels was handed over to a private company, bypassing the rules. The investigating agency claims that this decision provided undue benefits to some private individuals and that elements of criminal conspiracy were present.
Court's remarks increased strictness
The lower court stated in its order that the case was related to the misuse of position by a public servant to provide private benefits. According to the court, it is prima facie proven that abuse of government position occurred and that this caused damage to government interests. Based on this, charges were framed, which have now been challenged in the High Court.
Why is the January 14 hearing important?
All eyes are now on the hearing on January 14. On this day, the Delhi High Court may decide whether to stay the order of the lower court to frame charges or not. Additionally, it will be seen whether the further proceedings of the trial should be stayed for the time being. Legal experts believe that this hearing will play an important role in determining the direction of the entire case.
