17 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

3 min

Polity & GovernanceNEWS

Lalu Prasad, Rabri Devi Face Charges in Land-for-Jobs Case

Delhi court frames charges against Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi.

A Delhi court formally framed charges against Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi in the land-for-jobs case. Special judge Vishal Gogne framed charges of corruption and criminal conspiracy. The case stems from a CBI FIR in May 2022, citing irregularities in Group D appointments in the Railways between 2004 and 2009, alleging recruitments were done in exchange for land parcels.

Key Facts

A Delhi court framed charges against Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi.

The charges relate to the land-for-jobs case.

The case stems from a CBI FIR filed in May 2022.

The alleged irregularities occurred in Railway appointments between 2004 and 2009.

The agency alleges recruitments were done in exchange for land parcels.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper 2 - Polity and Governance: Corruption and role of CBI

GS Paper 3 - Economy: Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and economic offences

Potential for questions on anti-corruption measures and institutional frameworks

In Simple Words

A court in Delhi has accused Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi of corruption. They are charged with taking land in exchange for jobs when Lalu was Railway Minister. This means they're officially suspected of misusing their power for personal gain.

India Angle

In India, such cases highlight the issue of corruption in government jobs. It affects common people because it can mean deserving candidates miss out on opportunities. It also erodes trust in the system.

For Instance

Think of it like a shopkeeper giving a discount to a friend in exchange for a favor. It's unfair to other customers who don't get the same benefit.

It matters because corruption can impact who gets jobs and how resources are distributed. It's about fairness and honesty in the system.

Corruption is about misusing power for personal gain, and it hurts everyone in the long run.

Visual Insights

Land-for-Jobs Case: Key Events

Timeline of key events related to the land-for-jobs case involving Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi.

The case involves alleged irregularities in Railway appointments between 2004 and 2009, where recruitments were allegedly done in exchange for land parcels.

2004Alleged irregularities in Group D appointments in Railways begin.
2009Period during which alleged irregularities in Railway appointments continued.
2022CBI files FIR in May 2022, citing irregularities in Railway appointments.
2026Delhi court formally frames charges against Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi.

More Information

Background

The Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 is the primary law dealing with corruption offences in India. It was enacted to prevent bribery and corruption among public servants. The Act defines offences related to corruption and prescribes penalties for such offences. Amendments have been made to the Act over time to strengthen its provisions and broaden its scope. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is the premier investigating agency in India. It investigates cases of corruption, economic offences, and special crimes. The CBI derives its power to investigate from the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946. The agency plays a crucial role in prosecuting high-profile corruption cases, often involving public officials and large-scale financial irregularities. Criminal conspiracy is defined under Section 120A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). It involves an agreement between two or more persons to commit an illegal act or to commit a legal act by illegal means. The framing of charges for criminal conspiracy indicates that the court believes there is sufficient evidence to suggest an agreement to commit an unlawful act related to the alleged land-for-jobs scam.

Latest Developments

In recent years, there has been increased scrutiny and action against corruption involving public officials. The government has focused on strengthening anti-corruption laws and improving transparency in governance. Several high-profile cases have been investigated by agencies like the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), leading to arrests and prosecutions. The judiciary has also played a significant role in addressing corruption. The Supreme Court and various High Courts have taken suo moto cognizance of corruption cases and issued directives to ensure fair and speedy investigations. The emphasis has been on holding public officials accountable for their actions and recovering ill-gotten wealth. Looking ahead, there is a continued focus on leveraging technology to combat corruption. This includes using data analytics and artificial intelligence to detect and prevent fraudulent activities. Efforts are also being made to promote ethical conduct and integrity among public servants through training programs and awareness campaigns.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the key facts about the land-for-jobs case that are important for the UPSC Prelims exam?

For the UPSC Prelims, remember these key facts: A Delhi court has framed charges against Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi in connection with the land-for-jobs case. The CBI filed an FIR in May 2022 alleging irregularities in Railway appointments between 2004 and 2009. The CBI alleges that these appointments were made in exchange for land parcels.

Exam Tip

Focus on the timeline and the agency involved (CBI).

2. What is the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 and why is it relevant in the context of this case?

The Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 is the primary law in India dealing with corruption offences by public servants. It aims to prevent bribery and corruption. In the land-for-jobs case, this Act is relevant because the charges framed against Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi include corruption and criminal conspiracy, potentially falling under the purview of this Act.

3. Why is the 'land-for-jobs' case in the news recently?

The 'land-for-jobs' case is in the news because a Delhi court has formally framed charges against Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi. This signifies a major development in the legal proceedings, bringing renewed attention to the allegations of corruption and criminal conspiracy.

4. What are the potential implications of this case for common citizens?

Cases of corruption involving public officials can erode public trust in government institutions. If the allegations are proven, it highlights the misuse of power and can lead to demands for greater transparency and accountability in governance. It also underscores the importance of fair and merit-based recruitment processes.

5. What is the role of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in this case?

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is the primary investigating agency in this case. The case stems from a CBI FIR filed in May 2022, alleging irregularities in Railway appointments. The CBI is responsible for gathering evidence, interrogating suspects, and presenting the case before the court.

6. What period do the alleged irregularities in Railway appointments cover, according to the information available?

As per the topic data, the alleged irregularities in Railway appointments occurred between 2004 and 2009.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI): 1. The CBI derives its power to investigate from the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946. 2. The CBI is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs. 3. The CBI investigates cases related to corruption, economic offences, and special crimes. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.1 and 3 only
C.2 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The CBI derives its power to investigate from the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The CBI is under the administrative control of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), which falls under the Prime Minister's Office. Statement 3 is CORRECT: The CBI investigates cases related to corruption, economic offences, and special crimes.

2. Which of the following sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) defines criminal conspiracy?

A.Section 124A
B.Section 120A
C.Section 144
D.Section 302

Show Answer

Answer: B

Section 120A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) defines criminal conspiracy. It involves an agreement between two or more persons to commit an illegal act or to commit a legal act by illegal means. Section 124A deals with sedition, Section 144 deals with power to issue order in urgent cases of nuisance or apprehended danger, and Section 302 deals with punishment for murder.

3. The Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 primarily aims to:

A.Protect whistleblowers in corruption cases
B.Prevent bribery and corruption among public servants
C.Promote transparency in government contracts
D.Establish special courts for corruption trials

Show Answer

Answer: B

The Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 was enacted to prevent bribery and corruption among public servants. While the Act may indirectly contribute to the other options, its primary aim is to prevent corruption by public officials. It defines offences related to corruption and prescribes penalties for such offences.