After nearly four decades of legal proceedings, SK Tyagi, a Delhi resident, has been convicted in a long-standing bank fraud case dating back to 1988. Facing allegations of forgery, falsification of bank records, and financial fraud, Tyagi, now 78 years old, finally pleaded guilty in January 2025.
Oldest Pending Criminal Case in Delhi Courts
The Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi ruled against him in what was the city’s longest-running criminal case in district courts. However, considering his age and voluntary admission of guilt, the court opted for a lenient sentence instead of the maximum punishment.
Tyagi was sentenced “till the rising of the court,” meaning he was required to remain in custody until the court adjourned for the day, effectively serving his punishment within the session hours.
According to the National Judicial Data Grid, the case originated in January 1986, when the fraudulent activity was first uncovered. Tyagi had been on trial since 1988, marking an extraordinary delay in justice delivery.
The Bank Fraud Case
Tyagi and his associates were accused of cheating Punjab & Sind Bank during 1984-85. The fraudulent scheme involved:
- Forgery of documents and securities
- Manipulation of bank accounts
- False credit entries
- Clearing cheques without sufficient funds
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Following an investigation, authorities filed a chargesheet against the accused under several provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including:
- Section 420 – Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property
- Section 467 – Forgery of valuable securities
- Section 477A – Falsification of accounts
- Section 120B – Criminal conspiracy
The CBI took over the investigation in 1986, consolidating two separate fraud complaints. A chargesheet was filed in 1988, and the case was initially heard in Tis Hazari Court before being transferred to Rouse Avenue Court in 2019.
Tyagi’s Guilty Plea
On January 29, 2025, Tyagi filed an application in court, expressing his desire to plead guilty to the charges. Before accepting his plea, the court thoroughly explained the legal consequences of his admission. Tyagi, however, remained firm in his decision.
After recording his statement, the court determined that his plea was voluntary, stating: “There is no reason to doubt the case of the prosecution.”
CBI Demands Maximum Punishment
Following his guilty plea, the CBI prosecutor urged the court to impose the strictest punishment, arguing that a deterrent sentence was necessary to discourage others from engaging in similar financial crimes.
However, the court noted that Tyagi had expressed remorse and showed a genuine willingness to reform. Observing that a harsh sentence would be excessive, the judge ruled:
“The convict has shown a genuine desire to repent. Therefore, he must be given a fair opportunity for reformation, so that he can contribute positively to society.”
A Landmark Case in Judicial History
This case highlights one of India’s longest legal battles, raising concerns about delays in judicial proceedings. With Tyagi’s conviction, a 37-year-old legal saga finally comes to an end, marking a significant moment in the history of India’s financial fraud investigations.
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