Bombay HC Frustration Grows Over CBI's Endless Delays in High-Profile Bribery Probe
The intricate web of legal battles continues as the Bombay High Court grapples with the unwavering lethargy from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding the high-profile bribery allegations involving former Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) officer, Sameer Wankhede.
Judicial Patience Wears Thin
On July 8, the courtroom erupted with tension as Justice AS Gadkari and Justice Rajesh Patil questioned the CBI’s sluggish progress over two long years. According to Juris Hour, the court exhibited palpable frustration, demanding an explanation for continuous deferments. “Tell me, within how many years you will complete the investigation — 10 years, 20 years?” the court queried with impatience.
Unveiling the Allegations
The center of this legal storm is Wankhede, accused of soliciting a staggering Rs 25 crore bribe from Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan during a 2021 investigation connected to Khan’s son, Aryan Khan. The allegations brought forward under Sections 120-B and 388 of the IPC and the Prevention of Corruption Act paint a grim picture of corruption in high places.
Legal Defense and Contentions
Wankhede, through Senior Advocate Aabad Ponda, has vehemently denied these accusations, dismissing them as politically motivated. To bolster his defense, Wankhede provided WhatsApp messages with Shah Rukh Khan to underscore a cordial relationship apparently devoid of coercion.
Interestingly, Wankhede’s defense also hinges on the procedural lapses, such as filing the FIR without obtaining the mandatory prior sanction under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, which the defense argues invalidates the legal proceedings against him.
Court Extends Interim Protection, Demands Swift Justice
Despite the stagnant progression, the Bombay High Court acceded to extend interim protection for Wankhede, shielding him from arrest while admitting his petition. Concurrently, the CBI, urged by the high court’s persistent inquiries, has now committed to concluding their investigation within a three-month period.
Looking Ahead
As the dust continues to settle over this contentious case, the looming question persists: will the CBI fulfill its newfound commitment, or will the cycle of postponements inevitably replay? Meanwhile, the Bombay High Court’s latest intervention keeps the spotlight firmly on the compelling nexus of law, corruption, and relentless pursuit of justice.
