The Rouse Avenue Court has granted bail to Tej Pratap Yadav and Hema Yadav in connection with the alleged 'land-for-jobs' scam investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The Court ruled that the accused were entitled to bail upon furnishing a bond and surety, taking into account the nature of the allegations and the current stage of the proceedings. Emphasizing that bail is the norm and jail an exception unless compelling reasons justify detention, the Court upheld the principles of personal liberty.

The case revolves around alleged irregular appointments in the Indian Railways in exchange for land parcels transferred to the family of former Union Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav. According to the CBI, these appointments were made in violation of established recruitment norms, bypassing prescribed selection procedures.

Tej Pratap Yadav and Hema Yadav sought bail on the grounds of their cooperation with the investigation and the absence of any material evidence suggesting tampering or witness influence. Their counsels argued that the case is primarily based on documentary evidence already in the possession of the investigating agency. It was also contended that the transactions in question took place years ago, and prolonged detention at this stage would be unwarranted.

Opposing the bail plea, the CBI asserted that the appointments were fraudulently secured, circumventing due procedures. The prosecution maintained that the accused were direct beneficiaries of the alleged scam and that their involvement necessitated further scrutiny. Additionally, the agency highlighted the broader implications of such corrupt practices on public institutions.

While granting bail, the Court reiterated, "The principle that 'bail is the rule and jail is the exception' applies unless substantial grounds exist to deny relief. The accused have cooperated with the investigation, and no compelling material has been presented to justify continued detention." The Court also took cognizance of precedents in similar cases, reaffirming that personal liberty should not be curtailed without strong justification.

Accordingly, the Court approved the bail application, directing the accused to furnish a bail bond of ₹50,000 along with a surety of the same amount. The accused have been instructed to continue cooperating with the legal proceedings and to refrain from interfering in the investigation. The case will proceed as per due legal process.