The Central Bureau of Investigation has conducted a search at the residence of a retired National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) member as part of an investigation into a bribery case.
The case revolves around allegations that a law firm sought bribes in exchange for securing a favourable tribunal order.
Bribery Allegations Surface
The investigation was triggered by a complaint filed on January 27, 2025, by a director of a private investment firm. According to the complaint, a lawyer contacted him, claiming influence over an NCLT Mumbai member and assured that a favourable ruling in an ongoing insolvency case could be arranged for ₹1.5 crore. After discussions, the demanded amount was lowered to ₹1 crore.
CBI Investigation Confirms Findings
To verify these claims, CBI officials conducted inquiries on January 28, 29, and February 3 and 4, 2025, with independent witnesses present. Their investigation confirmed that the complainant’s firm had filed a case under Section 7 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) at NCLT Mumbai. The tribunal had concluded hearings on August 29, 2024, and reserved its judgment, which remained pending.
Bribery Scheme Unraveled
The probe revealed that the lawyer, posing as a corporate advisory firm representative, along with an associate, demanded the bribe under the pretext of legal service fees. However, the complainant’s firm had never engaged their services, indicating a conspiracy to manipulate the tribunal’s decision through corrupt means.
Initially, the accused requested 50% of the bribe upfront, but this was later negotiated to ₹20 lakh (20% of the total). This amount was transferred to a corporate advisory firm’s bank account on February 4, 2025. The remaining ₹80 lakh was supposed to be paid in cash once the final tribunal order was issued, expected before February 14.
Legal Action Underway
Following the investigation, the CBI has registered a case under:
Section 61 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 (criminal conspiracy)
Section 7-A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (taking undue advantage to influence a public servant)
The case is ongoing, with further action anticipated in this high-profile corruption probe.
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