Recently, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted a search at the residence of a retired National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) member in connection with an alleged bribery case involving a law firm that solicited illegal payments to secure a favorable order.
The case originated from a complaint filed by a director of a private investment firm, alleging that certain lawyers had approached him with an offer to manipulate an ongoing insolvency case in exchange for a substantial bribe. According to the complaint dated January 27, 2025, a lawyer claimed to have close connections with an NCLT Mumbai member and assured the complainant that a favorable judgment could be obtained for a payment of ₹1.5 crore, later negotiated down to ₹1 crore.
CBI officials verified the complaint through independent witnesses on January 28, 29, and February 3 and 4, 2025. Investigations confirmed that the complainant's firm had filed a petition under Section 7 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) against another company before the NCLT Mumbai, and the final order had been reserved since August 29, 2024.
Further inquiries revealed that the lawyer, purportedly representing a corporate advisory firm, conspired with an associate to demand the bribe under the guise of "fees." Despite the complainant's firm never engaging their services, the individuals allegedly sought to influence tribunal members through corrupt means. It was found that an advance payment of 50% was initially requested but later reduced to 20%, amounting to ₹20 lakh, which was deposited into a bank account linked to the advisory firm on February 4, 2025. The remaining ₹80 lakh was to be paid in cash on the day of the anticipated order's pronouncement before February 14.
The case has been registered under Section 61 (criminal conspiracy) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and Section 7-A (Taking undue advantage to influence public servant by corrupt or illegal means) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
Picture Source :
