In a case based on a complaint against irregularities in promotions done by the National Productivity Council (NPC) on 28-03-2023, a Division Bench of the Delhi High Court, comprised by Justice Anil Kshetarpal and Justice Harish Vaidynathan Shankar, set aside the proceedings initiated by the Lokpal of India against Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, along with others.

The Lokpal had ordered the issuance of notices to the Defence Secretary and others in January 2025, which was challenged before this Court. Thereafter, the Court stayed said proceedings in March 2025.

It was the case of the petitioners that the Lokpal had acted beyond his jurisdiction, as the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, provides that complaints must involve allegations of corruption or offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and that allegations of irregularities in promotions would not be covered within its ambit.

Further, assertions were made that the Defence Secretary had assumed the role of Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), on 21-04-2023, i.e., after the subject promotions took place, and that, hence, a case was not made out against him.

Thus, upon consideration of said pleadings, the Court found it fit to set aside the said proceedings by the Lokpal.

Source: Press