Rabri Devi Accuses Judge of Bias, Seeks Recusal in Land-for-Jobs Case

A significant development has just unfolded in the long-running land-for-jobs scam case, casting a fresh spotlight on the already high-profile legal battle. Former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi, a prominent political figure and wife of RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav, has lodged a formal petition in a Delhi court, making a rather serious accusation: she claims the presiding judge in her case is demonstrably biased against her and her family. Consequently, she's pushing for the trial to be transferred to a new judge entirely.

This isn't just a minor procedural request; it’s a direct challenge to the impartiality of the judicial process itself. Rabri Devi's plea, filed before the Principal District and Sessions Judge of Rouse Avenue Court, Delhi, specifically targets Special Judge Vishal Gogne. Her legal team, rather emphatically, has highlighted specific instances where, they claim, the judge made "unwarranted observations"—statements that, in their view, unmistakably point to a preconceived and prejudiced mindset, not just against her, but against her entire family. When such observations are made from the bench, it naturally raises questions about the fairness of proceedings, doesn't it?

The court, recognizing the gravity of these allegations, has taken the initial step of issuing a notice to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the agency prosecuting the case. They've been asked to provide their response to Rabri Devi's petition, setting the stage for what promises to be another intense legal tussle within this already complex affair. It’s a classic move in such high-stakes cases – challenge the arbiter if you feel the scales are tipping.

For those unfamiliar, this entire saga revolves around the alleged land-for-jobs scam. This particular case dates back to the period when Rabri Devi's husband, Lalu Prasad Yadav, served as the Union Railway Minister. The allegations are quite stark: that irregular appointments were made to the Indian Railways, purportedly in exchange for land parcels transferred as gifts or sold at highly reduced prices to Yadav's family members or associated companies. It's a scandal that has lingered for years, entangling several members of the Yadav family, including Rabri Devi, her husband, and their children, in a web of legal challenges.

This latest move by Rabri Devi certainly adds another layer of intrigue and complexity to a case already brimming with political implications. As the CBI prepares its response, the legal community and indeed, the public, will be watching closely to see how the court addresses these serious allegations of judicial bias. After all, the very bedrock of our justice system depends on the assurance of a fair and impartial hearing for all, irrespective of their stature or political standing.