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CBI Raids Ex-NCLT Official’s Premises Over Corruption in National Company Law Tribunal Case
Mumbai: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has searched the premises of a retired National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) official in connection with a bribery case involving a legal firm. The firm is accused of accepting a bribe from an NCLT litigant in exchange for a favorable order.
The bribery demand initially stood at Rs 1.5 crore to influence NCLT members, but it was later negotiated down to Rs 1 crore. Of this, Rs 20 lakh was transferred to the legal firm’s account under CBI supervision, while the remaining amount was to be paid in cash.
The CBI has registered a case against the proprietor of the legal firm and an employee, but the role of the retired NCLT official—who currently works as a private consultant—remains under investigation. Authorities are probing potential links between the accused and both current and former NCLT officials.
Tribunal Reserved Order Amid Bribery Allegations
The case stems from a petition filed by a complainant at the NCLT in Mumbai. After legal proceedings, a resolution plan was submitted, and arguments concluded before the tribunal reserved its decision in August. However, the order is yet to be announced.
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According to the CBI’s FIR, an employee of the legal firm approached the complainant, claiming connections with NCLT members and offering a favorable verdict in exchange for a bribe. The firm allegedly used the term “fees” as a code word during discussions. Suspicious of corrupt practices, the complainant reported the incident to the CBI, leading to an investigation and subsequent FIR.
CBI Uncovers Bribery Evidence
Investigators found that the legal firm initially demanded a 50% advance payment but later settled for a 20% advance of ₹20 lakh. The CBI tracked their movements and recently conducted searches at their premises, seizing mobile phones and other digital evidence linked to the bribery deal.
As part of the ongoing probe, the CBI conducted a search on Monday at the residence of the retired NCLT official to gather further evidence. The FIR names the legal firm’s proprietor, its employee, and unidentified public servants and private individuals, charging them with criminal conspiracy and attempts to manipulate tribunal proceedings through illegal means.