Delhi HC Rejects Rabri Devi’s Plea To Transfer Criminal Cases To Another Court

Last Updated:December 19, 2025, 17:47 IST

CBI had opposed the plea describing it as 'a mala fide attempt by the applicant (Rabri Devi) to hoodwink the court and simply an attempt to not only scandalize the court'.

Former Bihar CM Rabri Devi (Photo: PTI)

The Delhi High Court on Friday dismissed a plea filed by former Bihar chief minister Rabri Devi seeking the transfer of criminal cases against her and her family to another court. She had alleged bias on the part of Special Judge Vishal Gogne.

The cases against Rabri Devi, who is the wife of RJD chief Lalu Prasad, are linked to the land-for-jobs and IRCTC scam matters. These cases are being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The proceedings are currently being heard by Principal District and Sessions Judge Dinesh Bhatt.

Earlier this week, the CBI opposed Rabri Devi’s request for transfer. During arguments, CBI counsel DP Singh criticised the plea, saying, “You can’t bulldoze a court, you can’t go forum shopping, you can’t demean a judge."

In a detailed reply submitted in connection with the IRCTC scam case, the CBI described the transfer plea as “a mala fide attempt by the applicant (Rabri Devi) to hoodwink the court and simply an attempt to not only scandalize the court but also browbeat the special judge (Vishal Gogne), so as to cause direct interference with the independent and fair administration of justice".

The agency further pointed out that Rabri Devi raised allegations of bias only after lengthy arguments on the framing of charges were completed.

According to the CBI, the issue was flagged after charges had already been framed and the trial had moved to the stage of recording evidence.

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