Did the Delhi HC Just Quash the Lokpal's Action Against Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh?
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Synopsis
In a significant ruling, the Delhi High Court has quashed the Lokpal action against Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, raising questions about jurisdiction and the nature of the complaints regarding promotions at the National Productivity Council.
Key Takeaways
- The Delhi High Court dismissed the Lokpal's proceedings against Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
- The ruling emphasized the need for jurisdictional clarity in anti-corruption cases.
- The complaints were deemed procedural, lacking evidence of corruption.
- Rajesh Kumar Singh assumed office as Defence Secretary in November 2024.
- Senior Advocate Vikas Singh argued against the Lokpal's jurisdiction.
New Delhi, Nov 28 (NationPress) The Delhi High Court on Friday dismissed the proceedings initiated by the Lokpal of India against Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and others regarding alleged irregularities in promotions at the National Productivity Council (NPC).
A Division Bench comprising Justices Anil Kshetarpal and Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar issued the ruling, which brings closure to the case where the Delhi High Court had previously granted interim relief to Singh and other petitioners.
On March 20, another bench, led by Justice Chandra Dhari Singh and Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani, had placed a stay on the Lokpal's orders, subsequent notices, and the anti-corruption body's decision rejecting the petitioners' jurisdictional objections.
The Delhi High Court noted that the case “requires in-depth consideration” and mandated that “the operation of the impugned order dated January 6, 2025, notices dated January 7, 2025, order dated March 4, 2025, and the proceedings under Complaint No. 162/2024 pending before respondent - Lokpal shall be kept in abeyance until the next hearing date.”
This case originated from a complaint alleging irregularities in promotions granted by the NPC on March 28, 2023. The petitioners contended that these promotions were approved before Rajesh Kumar Singh took office as Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), on April 21, 2023.
Singh, an IAS officer of the 1989 Kerala cadre, subsequently assumed the role of India's 40th Defence Secretary on November 1, 2024.
Senior Advocate Vikas Singh, representing the petitioners, argued that the Lokpal lacked the jurisdiction to address the complaint since the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, only permits action in cases disclosing offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act (PC Act).
Moreover, Singh stated that the complaint was focused solely on alleged procedural irregularities in promotions, not on corruption, bribery, or abuse of public office.
In staying the Lokpal proceedings, the Delhi High Court observed that “no allegations of corruption or offences under the PC Act have been substantiated, and thus, the impugned order and notices were issued without sufficient evidence or grounds for proceeding under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013.”
Earlier, on March 4, the Lokpal had dismissed the petitioners' preliminary objections, asserting that the complaint fulfilled procedural requirements.
The 2024 complaint led the anti-corruption body to issue notices to Singh and other officials in January 2025, with the Lokpal claiming that the allegations, backed by documentation, could not be dismissed at the preliminary stage.
Point of View
This ruling underscores the importance of clear jurisdictional boundaries in anti-corruption efforts. The court's emphasis on the lack of substantive evidence for corruption allegations is a reminder that procedural issues must be distinguished from criminal charges. It is vital for institutions like the Lokpal to operate within the legal framework to maintain their credibility.
NationPress
28/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the basis for the Delhi HC's ruling?
The Delhi HC ruled that the Lokpal lacked jurisdiction in the matter as the complaints involved procedural irregularities rather than corruption or other criminal offenses.
What implications does this ruling have for the Lokpal?
This ruling may limit the Lokpal's authority in handling complaints that do not meet the threshold for corruption as defined by the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Who is Rajesh Kumar Singh?
Rajesh Kumar Singh is an IAS officer of the 1989 Kerala cadre and has held significant positions, including Defence Secretary of India.
What does the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 entail?
The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 provides the framework for addressing corruption in public offices, allowing for investigation and prosecution of offenses under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
