Today, in a case exposing the disturbing nexus between inmates and prison authorities, the Delhi High Court has directed the Delhi government’s Vigilance Department to expedite the disciplinary proceedings against officials accused of operating an extortion racket within Tihar Jail. The direction came from a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela while hearing a petition concerning systemic corruption, extortion, and misconduct in the country’s largest prison complex.
The Bench, expressing dissatisfaction over the administration’s inaction, ordered the Vigilance Department to appoint an Inquiry Officer within two weeks to ensure accountability within the prison system. The Court noted that despite earlier directions and suspension of certain officials, the inquiry had failed to move forward, prompting judicial intervention. The Court mandated, “Once the official is appointed, the requisite formality such as constitution of chargesheet, its approval and conclusion shall also be undertaken within this short span of time.”
The case stemmed from a petition alleging that an organized extortion racket was operating within Tihar Jail with the active collusion of certain jail officials. It was claimed that inmates were being threatened and coerced into paying money in exchange for protection or access to basic facilities. Taking note of the gravity of these allegations, the Court had earlier constituted a judicial inquiry, the findings of which, submitted in a sealed cover, led the Bench to order a CBI investigation into the criminal dimension of the case.
At the previous hearing, the Court had expressed strong displeasure over the Delhi government’s “lackadaisical approach” in proceeding against the implicated officers and its failure to initiate departmental action despite earlier directions. Consequently, the Bench summoned the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) to ensure adherence to the Court’s prior orders and expedite disciplinary proceedings.
During the latest hearing, the Additional Chief Secretary assured the Court that he would personally pursue the matter with the Vigilance Department and ensure that the disciplinary inquiry proceeds without further delay. Recording this assurance, the Court directed that the process be completed expeditiously and fixed January 7, 2026 as the next date of hearing.
The Bench also called upon the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to submit a status report regarding developments in the criminal proceedings, observing that the agency’s findings would be crucial to parallel disciplinary action. “The CBI shall also file a status report regarding the development in the criminal proceedings,” the Court ordered.
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