The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a plea by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) challenging the bail granted to businessman Amit Katyal, a close associate of RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, in connection with the high-profile land-for-jobs scam in the Indian Railways.
A bench of Justices M M Sundresh and Rajesh Bindal refused to interfere with the Delhi High Court’s September 2023 order that granted bail to Katyal, questioning the ED’s selective approach.
🗣️ “No big fish. Main persons have not been arrested. Why go on after only small flies? Are you afraid of going after them?” — Supreme Court Bench
🔍 High Court Criticised ED’s ‘Pick and Choose’ Tactics
The Delhi High Court, while granting bail to Katyal on September 17, 2023, criticised the ED for adopting a “pick and choose” policy, noting that no other accused in the case had been arrested.
Katyal was detained at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, despite cooperating with the investigation and responding to all summons.
📝 Key Bail Conditions:
- Bail granted on personal bond of ₹10 lakh
- Two sureties of the same amount
- Court noted Katyal’s lesser role compared to other accused
- No flight risk, as he joined probe voluntarily
⚖️ ED’s Argument vs Katyal’s Defence
The ED alleged Katyal:
- Actively helped Lalu Yadav and his family
- Handled proceeds of crime
- Was Director of A K Infosystems Pvt Ltd, which acquired land from job seekers
Katyal’s defence:
- No parity in arrests—others with larger roles were spared
- His arrest was arbitrary and discriminatory
- He never evaded investigation
🧾 Case Background
The land-for-jobs scam is linked to Group D appointments in the West Central Zone of Indian Railways (Jabalpur, MP) during Lalu Prasad Yadav’s tenure as Railway Minister (2004–2009).
In exchange for jobs, land parcels were allegedly gifted or transferred to Yadav’s family members or associates.
- 📅 FIR Registered: May 18, 2022
- Accused: Lalu Yadav, his wife, two daughters, unidentified officials, and private individuals
- Katyal was arrested on November 10, 2023, under provisions of the PMLA
📌 Supreme Court Verdict: Final Word for Now
With the Supreme Court upholding the High Court’s bail order, the ED faces renewed scrutiny over its investigation strategy and reluctance to act against alleged primary beneficiaries.
Stay with The Legal Herald for more updates on this and other high-stakes courtroom battles.
