Retired IAF Officer Barred from Divulging Classified Information in Book “The Spy Catchers”: Delhi HC

The Delhi High Court recently observed orally that personnel of the Indian Air Force (IAF), including retired officers, are restricted from divulging classified and operational information in the public domain.

Justice Sachin Datta made this observation while hearing a plea by Group Captain (Retd.) Alok Chandra Mishra, a former IAF officer who authored a book titled “The Spy Catchers.” The IAF had earlier denied security clearance for the book, citing that it contained sensitive material relating to operational and classified aspects of the force.

The petitioner approached the Delhi High Court challenging the denial of clearance. During the hearing, counsel for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner was agreeable to act in accordance with the observations and recommendations made by the IAF, following discussions held pursuant to an earlier order of the court dated May 1, 2023.

The respondents were represented by SPC Shoumendu Mukherji.

Recording the submission, the Court directed that the petitioner incorporate the suggested changes and resubmit the revised manuscript to the IAF for approval.

 "Since it is submitted by the learned counsel for the petitioner that the petitioner is agreeable to adhere to the observations/recommendations, let the same be incorporated and the proposed book of the petitioner be re-submitted," the Court said.

The respondents have been directed to take a decision on the revised book within six weeks of its submission.

Accordingly, the writ petition and all pending applications were disposed of.

For Petitioners: Mr. Kailash, Advocate (VC).

For Respondents: Mr. Shoumendu Mukherji, SPC along with Ms. Megha Sharma, Mr. Aniruddha Ghosh, Mr. Mehul Sachan and Mr. Hardik Bedi, Advocates for R-1 and R-2.

Case Title: GROUP CAPTAIN (RETD) ALOK CHANDRA MISHRA vs UNION OF INDIA & ANR. 

Bench: Justice Sachin Datta

Order Date: 06 October 2025