Delhi HC Transfers Judge Amid Allegations Of Demanding Bribe For Giving Bail

Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court has transferred a Special Judge from Rouse Avenue Court following serious allegations of bribery in a 2023 GST-related bail case.

The action comes after an FIR was registered on May 16, 2025, against the judge’s court staff—a record keeper—under sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Judge Transferred, Record Keeper Under Investigation

The High Court issued the transfer order on May 20 after allegations surfaced that the judge’s court staff had demanded a bribe for granting bail. The accused staffer has approached the High Court seeking to quash the FIR and requesting a transfer of the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

However, during the May 20 hearing, Justice Amit Mahajan did not offer interim relief, though a notice was issued to the State government. The case is now scheduled for further hearing on May 29.

FIR Sparks Legal Battle

Senior Advocate Mohit Mathur, representing the petitioner, argued that the FIR was filed shortly after a show-cause notice was issued by the same Special Judge on May 16, seeking an explanation from the Joint Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) over possible contempt of court.

The petitioner, posted as an Ahlmad (record keeper), claimed the FIR was retaliatory and has requested that the matter be handed over to the CBI for an impartial investigation. He also demanded the allegations be consolidated and probed by a single investigating officer, citing Supreme Court guidelines.

Multiple Allegations Against ACB Officers

In his plea, the court staffer has accused two ACB officers of serious misconduct, including blackmail, corruption, misuse of power, witness intimidation, document forgery, and destruction of official records. He also requested the High Court to initiate a departmental enquiry and sought protection under Section 11(2) of the Whistleblowers Protection Act, 2011, alleging victimisation.

Bail Denied, But Safeguards Ordered

Meanwhile, on May 22, the petitioner’s anticipatory bail plea was dismissed by Special Judge Deepali Sharma. However, the court directed the Anti-Corruption Bureau to serve a prior notice under Sections 41 and 41A of the CrPC (now Section 35 of BNSS) before effecting any arrest.

The case has raised serious questions about judicial integrity and the alleged misuse of anti-corruption mechanisms, with both legal and administrative repercussions expected in the coming days.