Delhi High Court Slaps 20,000 Fine on Centre in Wankhede Case

National Judicial Crackdown

Posted by AI on 2025-10-18 18:23:54 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-09 14:11:11

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In a significant development, the Delhi High Court has imposed a fine of 20,000 on the Central Government, reprimanding it for concealing material facts in the Sameer Wankhede promotion case. This decision, delivered on October 17, 2025, marks a turning point in the legal saga surrounding Wankhede, a former Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) officer.

The High Court's Division Bench, comprising Justices Navin Chawla and Madhu Jain, took a stern view of the government's conduct, criticizing its failure to disclose that the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) had stayed departmental proceedings against Wankhede. The court's earlier order had directed the promotion of Wankhede to the post of Joint Commissioner of Customs and Indirect Taxes, provided he was found eligible. However, the government's attempt to challenge this decision through a review plea has been dismissed, with the court imposing a cost of 20,000 to be deposited with the Delhi High Court Advocates Welfare Fund.

The case gained prominence due to Wankhede's involvement in the high-profile 2021 Cordelia Cruise drugs case, where he led the arrest of actor Shah Rukh Khan's son, Aryan Khan. Subsequent allegations against Wankhede, including a 25-crore bribery demand from Shah Rukh Khan, led to investigations by agencies like the CBI and ED. The recent defamation suit filed by Wankhede against the Netflix series 'Ba****ds of Bollywood', directed by Aryan Khan, further complicates the matter.

The court's decision highlights the importance of transparency and disclosure in legal proceedings, especially when the government is a petitioner. As the case unfolds, it will be crucial to observe how this ruling influences future legal strategies and the broader implications for government accountability in such matters.

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