‘Bribery case’ against court staff: HC seeks status report from Anti-Corruption Branch

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday directed the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) to submit a status report on its investigation into bribery allegations against Mukesh Kumar, an ahlmad (record keeper) posted at the Rouse Avenue Court.

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Kumar is accused of taking bribe from certain accused in exchange for helping them secure bail.

The Anti-Corruption Branch registered a case against Kumar on May 16 under Sections 7 and 13 of the Prevention of Corruption Act and relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Prior to this, the ACB had written to the Delhi government’s Law Secretary in January, seeking approval to investigate a judge linked to the case. While the High Court permitted further investigation against court officials, it found the evidence insufficient to initiate action against the judge.

The matter gained further attention after the Delhi High Court administratively transferred the Special Judge (PC Act), who had been posted at Rouse Avenue, to North-West Rohini. The accused ahlmad has claimed that there was a conspiracy to falsely implicate the judge.

On Tuesday, Kumar’s anticipatory bail plea came up before Justice Amit Sharma. However, the court refused to offer him any temporary protection from arrest. Calling the matter “very serious”, the judge expressed concern that such allegations were being made against a court staff member.

The High Court has listed the matter for further hearing on May 29, when Kumar’s plea to quash the FIR will also be considered.