Charges Framed by Special Court in October
On October 13, 2025, the special court had framed charges against Lalu Prasad Yadav, his wife and former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi, their son and former Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, and 11 other accused persons. The charges include cheating, criminal conspiracy, and offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The court observed that the alleged land and share transactions related to the case were “possibly an instance of crony capitalism fostered under the guise of private participation” in railway hotel projects at Ranchi and Puri.
Prevention of Corruption Act Provisions Invoked
The special court framed charges against several accused under Section 13(2) read with Section 13(1)(d)(ii) and (iii) of the Prevention of Corruption Act. These provisions deal with criminal misconduct by a public servant and abuse of official position to obtain undue advantage.
The maximum punishment prescribed under the Prevention of Corruption Act is 10 years of imprisonment, highlighting the seriousness of the allegations levelled in the IRCTC scam case.
Cheating and Criminal Conspiracy Allegations
In addition to corruption charges, the court directed that offences under Section 420 of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with cheating, be framed against Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, and other accused entities and individuals.
A common charge of criminal conspiracy under Section 120B of the IPC was ordered to be framed against all 14 accused, read together with the cheating and corruption provisions.
Key Accused Named in the Case
Besides the members of the Yadav family, the charges involve several businesspersons and firms, including M/s LARA Projects LLP, Vijay Kochhar, Vinay Kochhar, Sarla Gupta, Prem Chand Gupta, Pradeep Kumar Goel, Rakesh Saksena, Bhupendra Kumar Agarwal, Rakesh Kumar Gogia, and Vinod Kumar Asthana.
The prosecution alleges that these individuals benefited from favourable decisions related to railway hotel contracts during Lalu Prasad Yadav’s tenure as railway minister.
Legal Battle Moves to High Court
Challenging the charge-framing order, Lalu Prasad Yadav has argued that the special court failed to appreciate facts and evidence correctly. The Delhi High Court’s decision to hear the plea will determine whether the trial proceeds as framed or whether relief is granted to the accused.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is probing the case, is expected to present its response during the hearing.
