Did Delhi HC Impose Rs 20K Cost on Centre for Concealing Facts in Sameer Wankhede Promotion Case?

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Did Delhi HC Impose Rs 20K Cost on Centre for Concealing Facts in Sameer Wankhede Promotion Case?

Synopsis

In a surprising turn of events, the Delhi High Court has fined the Union government for concealing facts in the Sameer Wankhede promotion case. This ruling comes on the heels of Wankhede's controversial past, including high-profile drug case involvement. What does this mean for accountability in government actions?

Key Takeaways

  • The Delhi High Court fined the Union government Rs 20,000.
  • Wankhede's promotion was upheld following CAT's directive.
  • Departmental proceedings against Wankhede were not disclosed.
  • Wankhede is linked to the high-profile Cordelia Cruise drug case.
  • The Centre has four weeks to comply with the court's order.

New Delhi, Oct 17 (NationPress) The Delhi High Court has recently levied a cost of Rs 20,000 on the Union government for failing to disclose important facts in its review petition regarding the promotion of Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer and former NCB officer Sameer Dnyandev Wankhede. The court dismissed the Centre's review application, with a Bench comprising Justices Navin Chawla and Madhu Jain expressing disappointment over the government's conduct. They stated, "We expect that the petitioner as a State would disclose all facts truthfully before filing the petition. Hence, we dismiss the present review petition with a cost of Rs 20,000."

This case originated from a directive issued by the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) in December 2024, which instructed the Union government to unseal the cover containing Wankhede's promotion details. The CAT had determined that if the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) endorsed his name, he should be promoted to the position of Additional Commissioner effective from January 2021.

On August 28, the Delhi High Court upheld the CAT's order, after which the government sought a review, asserting that departmental proceedings against Wankhede had commenced between the judgment's reservation on July 29 and its announcement on August 28.

In their ruling, the Justice Chawla-led Bench highlighted that the Centre neglected to present an order from the CAT dated August 2025, which had suspended the departmental proceedings against Wankhede. The Delhi High Court further noted that the CAT’s order was issued before the review petition was filed, yet the Union government opted not to disclose it.

Wankhede garnered public attention due to his involvement in the 2021 Cordelia Cruise drug case, which reportedly implicated actor Shah Rukh Khan’s son, Aryan Khan. Subsequently, Wankhede faced accusations of misconduct and allegations of possessing a forged caste certificate. The Delhi High Court has mandated the Centre to implement the CAT’s order and promote Wankhede, contingent upon a recommendation from the UPSC, within four weeks.

Point of View

I believe the Delhi High Court's ruling highlights the critical importance of transparency and accountability within government proceedings. The imposition of a fine emphasizes that no institution is above the law, ensuring that justice prevails in the face of misconduct.
NationPress
19/10/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was the Union government fined Rs 20,000?
The Delhi High Court fined the Union government for concealing important facts in its review petition concerning the promotion of Sameer Wankhede.
What is the significance of the CAT's order?
The CAT's order mandated the Union government to disclose Wankhede's promotion details and stated that if recommended by the UPSC, he should be promoted.
What role did Sameer Wankhede play in the drug case?
Sameer Wankhede was involved in the 2021 Cordelia Cruise drug case, which drew significant media attention due to its connection to Bollywood.
What does the Delhi High Court's ruling indicate about government transparency?
The ruling underscores the necessity of transparency and honesty in government proceedings, reinforcing the principle that accountability is paramount.
How long does the Centre have to implement the CAT's order?
The Delhi High Court has ordered the Centre to implement the CAT's decision and promote Wankhede within four weeks if recommended by the UPSC.
Nation Press