Rs 8,000 Crore Solar Project Row: Allahabad High Court Quashes FIR Against Businessman, Finds No Evidence of Bribe

The Allahabad High Court has quashed criminal proceedings against businessman Nikant Jain in high-profile corruption case alleging a demand of 5% commission for clearing an Rs 8,000 crore solar project, holding that there was no evidence to substantiate charges of extortion or bribery.

A First Information Report (FIR) was lodged at Gomti Nagar police station, Lucknow, on March 20, 2025, under Section 308(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (corresponding to Section 386 of IPC) and Sections 8 and 12 of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The complainant, associated with M/s SAEL Solar P6 Pvt Ltd, alleged that Jain demanded 5% of the total project cost in advance for facilitating approval of the proposal by the Empowered Committee and the Cabinet.

According to the complaint, an officer of Invest UP had shared Jain’s contact details and suggested that the project’s approval would depend on his recommendation. The complainant claimed that during meetings in March 2025, Jain indicated that final clearance would require approaching him.

Jain was arrested the same day the FIR was registered. A search of his premises was conducted, but no incriminating material was recovered. During investigation, an allegation surfaced that Rs 1 crore had been paid in cash. However, the investigating officer found no such evidence in the applicant’s bank accounts. The government advocate conceded before the high court that no proof of payment was discovered.

The complainant also admitted before the court that no money was actually given to Jain. In submissions placed before the court, counsel for the complainant stated that the complaint had been filed under a “wrong impression”.

Court records revealed that the solar project proposal had been under consideration pursuant to the Uttar Pradesh Industrial Investment and Employment Promotion Policy, 2022. Minutes of the Evaluation Committee meetings held on February 24 and March 12, 2025 showed that the proposal was deferred due to pending clarification from the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) regarding availability of 200 acres of land, and from UPPCL on issues relating to electricity duty and incentives.

A letter dated February 24, 2025 from YEIDA indicated that land acquisition was in process and would be completed by April 30, 2025. In its meeting on March 25, 2025, the Evaluation Committee recommended placing the proposal before the High-Level Empowered Committee after incorporating the requisite clarifications.

The bench of Justice Rajeev Singh noted that the material on record did not show that Jain had offered any undue advantage to a public servant, a necessary ingredient under Section 8 of the Prevention of Corruption Act. It further observed that the essential elements of extortion under Section 308(5) BNS, including putting a person in fear of death or grievous hurt to dishonestly induce delivery of property, were not made out.

Court also recorded that the complainant had been reluctant during investigation in assisting with preparation of the site plan and had delayed providing further details regarding alleged payments. No evidence emerged to substantiate the claim that any bribe was paid or that public officials were improperly influenced.

Holding that continuation of the proceedings would amount to abuse of process, the high court allowed Jain’s application under Section 528 BNSS. It quashed the charge sheet dated May 15, 2025, the summoning order dated May 17, 2025, and the order dated November 6, 2025 rejecting the discharge plea, along with all consequential proceedings in Sessions Case No. 730 of 2025.

Case Title: Shri Nikant Jain vs. State of U.P. Thru. Prin. Secy. Home Lko. and another

Judgment Date: February 9, 2026

Bench: Justice Rajeev Singh