Jaipur, November 26, 2025: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday exposed a corruption racket operating within the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal in Jaipur. The agency revealed that the syndicate facilitated the settlement of appeals in exchange for bribes. Three individuals, including judicial member S. Seethalakshmi, were arrested in connection with the case.
According to CBI sources, ₹30 lakh in cash was recovered from the car of the arrested judicial member, which is being treated as direct evidence of illicit transactions.
Critical Evidence Recovered
During searches in Jaipur, Kota, and other locations, the CBI seized over ₹1 crore in cash, financial transaction records, property documents, and other incriminating materials. The agency described the findings as indicative of a highly organised syndicate engaged in systematic bribery to influence appeal outcomes.
A CBI spokesperson stated, “Investigations have revealed that this syndicate has been operating for several years, with indications of collusion at both judicial and administrative levels. All seized documents and cash transactions are undergoing detailed scrutiny.”
Modus Operandi of the Syndicate
Sources familiar with the investigation said the racket demanded money to expedite appeals and misled appellants into believing favorable outcomes could be guaranteed. Evidence suggests collusion between sitting judicial members and other officials. The CBI team also confiscated numerous documents related to appeals and digital transaction records, providing a clear picture of the network’s operational structure.
Officials added that the racket exploited procedural loopholes within the tribunal to maintain its operations, targeting cases where appellants were desperate for expedited decisions.
Next Steps in Investigation
CBI officials confirmed that interrogations of the arrested individuals are ongoing. The agency has intensified searches beyond Jaipur and Kota to determine the full extent of the network and the number of cases influenced by bribery.
Additionally, the agency is meticulously examining financial and property records to identify other participants in the racket. The investigation aims to expose all individuals involved and restore public confidence in the judicial and tax appellate system.
Impact on State Administration and Judicial Integrity
The exposure of the corruption racket has raised serious concerns about the credibility of the judicial process and the integrity of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal in Jaipur. Experts have warned that unchecked corruption could undermine public trust in the appellate process and broader legal institutions.
The state administration has pledged full cooperation with the CBI, recognising the seriousness of the matter. Officials have also reiterated their commitment to tackling financial crimes and corruption, calling the CBI action a landmark step toward ensuring transparency and accountability in governance.
