A Delhi court has rejected a request by Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and former chief minister Rabri Devi seeking access to documents not relied upon by investigators in the land-for-jobs case, with the judge terming the move a “self-serving” attempt to delay proceedings.Special judge Vishal Gogne of the Rouse Avenue Courts, in a detailed 35-page order delivered on Wednesday, held that the accused had failed to establish any exceptional circumstances warranting the production of such material at this stage of the trial. The court observed that criminal procedure does not entitle the defence to seek documents beyond those relied upon by the prosecution unless a clear and specific need is demonstrated during the appropriate phase of the proceedings.
The ruling marks a setback for Yadav, Rabri Devi and other accused in a case that has drawn sustained political and legal attention. The allegations relate to appointments made during Yadav’s tenure as railway minister between 2004 and 2009, when, according to investigators, candidates were allegedly given jobs in the railways in exchange for land parcels transferred to the names of Yadav’s family members or associates at prices claimed to be below market value.
In rejecting the plea, the court emphasised that the defence had not shown how the requested documents were necessary for ensuring a fair trial at the present stage. Judge Gogne noted that the law permits access to such material when the defence begins presenting its evidence, but not as a matter of routine during the prosecution’s case. The order described the application as lacking substantive grounds and suggested it risked disrupting the orderly progression of the trial.
Legal experts say the judgment reinforces established principles governing disclosure in criminal trials, particularly the distinction between relied and unrelied documents. While the prosecution is obligated to share material it relies upon to prove its case, courts have consistently held that broader disclosure demands must be justified with specificity and relevance.
The Central Bureau of Investigation, which is prosecuting the case, had opposed the plea, arguing that granting such requests prematurely would open the door to fishing inquiries and procedural delays. The agency has maintained that all documents necessary for the defence at this stage have already been provided in accordance with the law.
Yadav and Rabri Devi have denied any wrongdoing, describing the case as politically motivated. Their legal team had argued that access to the additional documents was essential for preparing an effective defence and for ensuring transparency in the prosecution’s case. The court, however, found that these assertions were general in nature and did not meet the threshold required to override procedural safeguards.
The case has broader implications for political accountability and the functioning of investigative agencies. It has unfolded over several years, with multiple chargesheets filed and supplementary investigations conducted. The Enforcement Directorate has also been pursuing a parallel money laundering probe linked to the same set of allegations, adding another layer of scrutiny.
Proceedings in the case have seen periodic legal challenges, including petitions related to sanction for prosecution, admissibility of evidence and procedural fairness. Each ruling has contributed to shaping the trajectory of a trial that sits at the intersection of law and politics.
The dismissal of the plea is expected to expedite the trial process, which had faced delays due to various interlocutory applications. Observers note that courts have increasingly taken a firm view on attempts perceived as prolonging proceedings, particularly in high-profile corruption cases where public interest considerations are significant.
Yadav, a prominent political figure with a long career spanning decades, has faced multiple legal battles, including earlier convictions in fodder scam cases. The land-for-jobs case represents one of the more complex proceedings involving his tenure in public office, with allegations tied to administrative decisions and asset transactions.
Rabri Devi, who served as chief minister of Bihar and remains a key figure in the party, is also among the accused named in the case. The involvement of family members has intensified political debate, with rival parties citing the case as evidence of alleged misuse of office, while supporters have framed it as part of a broader pattern of targeting opposition leaders.