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Synopsis

The Delhi High Court, recently, granted interim relief to Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh by staying the proceedings initiated by the Lokpal of India concerning alleged irregularities in promotions at the National Productivity Council (NPC).

The bench of Justice Chandra Dhari Singh and Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani held, “this Court is of the view that the instant matter requires in-depth consideration. In light of the same, this Court is inclined to grant stay on the operation of the impugned order dated 6th January, 2025, the notices dated 7th January, 2025, order dated 04th March 2025 and the proceedings pending before the respondent – Lokpal under Complaint No. 162/2024”. 

The petitioner, represented by Senior Advocate Vikas Singh, challenged the validity of the Lokpal’s order and notices, arguing that it was issued beyond the respondent’s jurisdiction. Senior Advocate Singh asserted that under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, the anti-corruption body could only act in cases involving offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. However, this case did not involve any allegations of corruption but rather irregularities in the promotions conducted by the NPC on March 28, 2023—prior to Rajesh Kumar Singh assuming office as Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), on April 21, 2023. It was argued that such irregularities did not fall under the ambit of the PC Act, rendering the Lokpal’s actions beyond its authority.

Senior Advocate Singh also contended that the Lokpal had dismissed their jurisdictional objections in an March 4, 2025 order. The respondent ruled that the complaint met procedural requirements and could not be dismissed at a preliminary stage.

The High Court after considering the submissions, noted that the issue needed an in-depth consideration and therefore stayed the operation of the impugned order dated January 6 2025. “Accordingly, the operation of the impugned order dated 6th January, 2025, the notices dated 7th January, 2025, order dated 04th March 2025 and the proceedings under Complaint No. 162/2024, pending before the respondent – Lokpal, shall be kept in abeyance till the next date of hearing”, the court added. 

For Petitioner: Senior Advocate Vikas Singh with Varun Singh, Deepeika Kalia, Kajal Gupta, Somesa Gupta and Sudeep Chandra
Case Title: Rajesh Kumar Singh v Lokpal Of India (W.P.(C) 1264/2025)