RJD Chief Lalu Prasad Yadav with senior leader and wife Rabri Devi at Legislative party meeting in Patna. (PTI file photo)

A Delhi court on Tuesday dismissed a plea filed by former railway minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, his wife and former Bihar chief minister Rabri Devi, and M/s Lara Projects Pvt Ltd, challenging the day-to-day trial in the IRCTC scam case.

Special Judge Vishal Gogne of the Rouse Avenue Court said the court retains full authority to decide the schedule of hearings and will not be bound by the convenience of the accused or their counsels. He noted that listing of cases on particular dates is a core judicial function, exercised after considering several factors such as the seriousness of allegations, number of witnesses, and overall nature of the case.

“The court reserves the right to list matters on a daily basis, in bulk dates or in any other order,” the judge stated. He further observed that while the convenience of lawyers is considered, it cannot override the court’s responsibility to ensure a fair and speedy trial.

The court stressed that the Supreme Court and the Delhi High Court have repeatedly directed trial courts to expedite proceedings, discourage unnecessary adjournments, and record evidence daily once the trial begins.

Earlier, the court had framed charges against Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, and other accused under provisions related to cheating and criminal conspiracy, along with sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The case pertains to alleged irregularities in awarding contracts for the maintenance of IRCTC hotels when Yadav was the railway minister.

The trial moved to the stage of prosecution evidence, with examination of formal witnesses conducted on a day-to-day basis from 27 October to 7 November. Following requests from some accused, cross-examination was deferred to 17 November.

Rejecting the latest plea, Judge Gogne said he was “disinclined to bind and restrict” future trial dates.

(With inputs from PTI)