NewKerala.com

Rabri Devi's Court Battle: Why She Fears Bias in Corruption Cases

A Delhi court has asked the CBI and ED to respond to Rabri Devi's request to move her cases to another court. The former Bihar chief minister claims the current judge shows bias toward the prosecution in multiple hearings. These cases involve serious allegations including the land-for-jobs scam and IRCTC hotel lease irregularities. The court will now consider all four transfer pleas together on December 6.

Key Points: Delhi Court Seeks CBI ED Response on Rabri Devi Transfer Pleas

  • Rabri Devi alleges bias in Special Judge Vishal Gogne's courtroom conduct
  • Cases include land-for-jobs scam and IRCTC hotel lease irregularities
  • All four transfer pleas will be heard together on December 6
  • ED claims proceeds of crime were layered through various entities
2 min read

Delhi court seeks CBI, ED responses on Rabri Devi's pleas to transfer cases

Delhi court issues notices to CBI and ED on Rabri Devi's pleas to transfer corruption cases, citing "reasonable apprehension of bias" against special judge.

"The conduct of the Ld. Special Judge appears to be unduly inclined towards the prosecution and bias - Rabri Devi's Transfer Plea"

New Delhi, Nov 28

A Delhi court on Friday issued notices to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on transfer pleas filed by former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi demanding that three pending corruption and money laundering matters be shifted out of the court of Special Judge, Vishal Gogne.

The Rouse Avenue Courts sought responses from both central agencies and fixed December 6 for hearing the applications. The transfer pleas pertain to the CBI's land-for-jobs case, as well as the ED’s money-laundering probes arising out of that FIR, and the IRCTC hotel scam case.

Earlier on Wednesday, Principal District and Sessions Judge-cum-Special Judge (PC Act) Dinesh Bhatt sought the response of the CBI on a similar plea seeking transfer of the IRCTC scam case from Judge Gogne's court.

In her application, Rabri Devi claimed that Special Judge Gogne’s conduct during several hearings has created a "reasonable apprehension of bias" in her mind.

"The conduct of the Ld. Special Judge, on various occasions during the course of proceedings in all the above-mentioned cases, appears to be unduly inclined towards the prosecution and bias, which can be seen from a number of instances of the case proceedings/orders itself," the transfer plea stated, adding that the apprehension was not based on "speculations or imagination" but on specific instances which have occurred during proceedings of the cases.

Rabri Devi has urged that the matters be moved to another court “in the interest of justice, equity and fair play”.

The IRCTC hotel scam case, in which charges under Sections 420 and 120B of the Indian Penal Code and provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act were ordered to be framed last month, relates to alleged irregular lease-outs of IRCTC hotels between 2004 and 2009, when Lalu Prasad was the Union Railway Minister.

In the CBI’s land-for-jobs case, the agency claims that candidates seeking Group-D posts in the Railways transferred land to Lalu Prasad’s family members or benami companies in exchange for employment.

The ED, in its connected money-laundering prosecution, asserts that the transactions generated proceeds of crime subsequently layered through various entities.

All four transfer pleas -- the IRCTC scam case, the land-for-jobs case, and the two linked ED matter -- will now be taken up on December 6.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
If there's genuine apprehension of bias, the transfer should be considered. Every citizen deserves a fair trial, regardless of their background. Let's see what the agencies respond on Dec 6.
A
Arjun K
Land-for-jobs scam, IRCTC hotel scam... these cases have been dragging for years. Public wants to see closure, not endless legal maneuvers. Justice delayed is justice denied. 🇮🇳
S
Sarah B
As someone who follows legal proceedings, I find it interesting that multiple transfer pleas are being filed. Either there's genuine concern about judicial impartiality or this is strategic litigation. The December 6 hearing will be crucial.
V
Vikram M
Ye sab khel chal raha hai. Political families ko lagta hai ki court change karne se unki problems solve ho jayengi. Public ko asli justice chahiye, not these legal tactics. 😠
M
Michael C
The allegation of "reasonable apprehension of bias" is serious. If proven, it could undermine public confidence in the judiciary. Hope the court examines this thoroughly and maintains transparency in the process.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50