The CBI opposed Rabri Devi’s plea to transfer criminal cases, arguing it constitutes “forum-shopping” and aims to demean the judge. The agency stated that Special Judge Vishal Gogne acted within judicial procedures and that the application seeks to stall the trial. The court will hear the matter further on December 15, 2025. Former Bihar chief minister and RJD leader Rabri Devi (PTI) NEW DELHI: Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Saturday opposed former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi’s request to transfer criminal cases from the court of Special Judge Vishal Gogne, arguing before a Delhi court that the plea amounted to “forum-shopping” and was meant to “demean the judge” and interfere with the justice system.Appearing before Principal District and Sessions Judge Dinesh Bhatt, Senior Advocate DP Singh, representing the CBI, said the transfer application made unfounded allegations against the judiciary and was an attempt to pressure the trial court. He maintained that an accused has no right to seek a change of forum merely because the case is not proceeding in their favour. “I have no family…” Rohini Acharya Cuts Ties With Lalu Clan, Exits Politics Post-RJD Defeat “You cannot bulldoze a court. You cannot go forum shopping. You cannot demean a judge,” Singh told the court, stressing that such conduct strikes at the independence and dignity of the judicial process.The CBI counsel submitted that Special Judge Gogne had acted strictly in accordance with procedures laid down by higher courts and established judicial practice. He argued that the transfer plea was filed with the intention of stalling the trial at a critical stage.Addressing Rabri Devi’s allegation that Judge Gogne had intentionally delayed the order on framing of charges in the IRCTC corruption case to align with the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct for the Bihar elections, Singh rejected the claim as baseless. He explained that the court had merely sought clarifications from the investigating agency, which was part of its judicial duty.“These clarifications were sought for the court’s clarity and conscience. It is the duty of the judge to ask questions,” Singh submitted.Judge Bhatt heard the submissions in detail and scheduled the matter for further hearing on December 15, 2025.In her application, Rabri Devi sought the transfer of four cases pending before Judge Gogne, in which she and several members of her family are named as accused. The cases include the IRCTC scam, the alleged land-for-jobs case, and related money-laundering proceedings.Earlier, on October 13, Judge Gogne framed criminal charges against RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Yadav, and others in the IRCTC case.Rabri Devi alleged in her plea that the special judge is biased and conducting the trials with a premeditated mindset. She has claimed that he is “unduly inclined” towards the prosecution, creating a reasonable apprehension of bias. The CBI has rejected these allegations, describing them as an effort to scandalise the court and delay the trial.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCongress Questions BJP’s Renaming Of MGNREGA, Hits Out At Gandhi HatredMessi Event Chaos In Kolkata Triggers BJP Attack On Mamata Over Law Order And MismanagementMessi Event Chaos In Kolkata: Bengal Police Detain Organiser, Refunds Announced‘Namaste Trump’ Era Is Over As India–US Relations Turn Fragile Over Tariffs, Says Jairam RameshHouse Democrats Push To Scrap Donald Trump’s India Tariffs As Congress Challenges Emergency PowersMessi’s Kolkata Visit Turns Chaotic As Angry Fans Vandalise Banners At Salt Lake Stadium’PM Not Always Wrong’: Ex-Congress Leader Ashwani Kumar, Calls Party Revival A National ObligationAction Over Rhetoric: CDS Anil Chauhan Sends A Calm But Clear Signal To Pakistan Amid Op SindoorWhen Optics Fail: Top Five Global Moments That Turned Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif Into A Meme’No Free Lift For India’: PM Modi’s Chief Economic Adviser Says China Won’t Repeat West’s Mistake123PhotostoriesKohinoor and 5 other legendary diamonds every diamond lover should know aboutLow on Energy? 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NEW DELHI: Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Saturday opposed former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi’s request to transfer criminal cases from the court of Special Judge Vishal Gogne, arguing before a Delhi court that the plea amounted to “forum-shopping” and was meant to “demean the judge” and interfere with the justice system.Appearing before Principal District and Sessions Judge Dinesh Bhatt, Senior Advocate DP Singh, representing the CBI, said the transfer application made unfounded allegations against the judiciary and was an attempt to pressure the trial court. He maintained that an accused has no right to seek a change of forum merely because the case is not proceeding in their favour.
“You cannot bulldoze a court. You cannot go forum shopping. You cannot demean a judge,” Singh told the court, stressing that such conduct strikes at the independence and dignity of the judicial process.The CBI counsel submitted that Special Judge Gogne had acted strictly in accordance with procedures laid down by higher courts and established judicial practice. He argued that the transfer plea was filed with the intention of stalling the trial at a critical stage.Addressing Rabri Devi’s allegation that Judge Gogne had intentionally delayed the order on framing of charges in the IRCTC corruption case to align with the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct for the Bihar elections, Singh rejected the claim as baseless. He explained that the court had merely sought clarifications from the investigating agency, which was part of its judicial duty.“These clarifications were sought for the court’s clarity and conscience. It is the duty of the judge to ask questions,” Singh submitted.Judge Bhatt heard the submissions in detail and scheduled the matter for further hearing on December 15, 2025.In her application, Rabri Devi sought the transfer of four cases pending before Judge Gogne, in which she and several members of her family are named as accused. The cases include the IRCTC scam, the alleged land-for-jobs case, and related money-laundering proceedings.Earlier, on October 13, Judge Gogne framed criminal charges against RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Yadav, and others in the IRCTC case.Rabri Devi alleged in her plea that the special judge is biased and conducting the trials with a premeditated mindset. She has claimed that he is “unduly inclined” towards the prosecution, creating a reasonable apprehension of bias. The CBI has rejected these allegations, describing them as an effort to scandalise the court and delay the trial.
