CBI moves for physical production in Mumbai court as legal battle intensifies; Delhi court directs prison authorities to respond urgently amid custody and medical concerns
A significant development has emerged in the ongoing Reliance Communications (RCom) fraud case, where the Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi has sought an urgent response from Tihar Jail authorities regarding the production of former Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (ADAG) executive Amitabh Jhunjhunwala before a special court in Mumbai.
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CBI Seeks Physical Production in Mumbai Court
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has requested that Jhunjhunwala be physically produced in Mumbai on May 19, 2026, at 3:00 PM in connection with a high-profile fraud investigation involving Reliance Communications Ltd and other related entities. The court has directed the Superintendent of Central Jail No. 7, Tihar, to submit its response by the morning of May 8, 2026.
According to the court order, the jail authorities have also been instructed to ensure that Jhunjhunwala receives a copy of the CBI application. The court further asked the CBI to formally share the application with the prison superintendent to facilitate compliance and transparency in the process.
Earlier, on April 29, the Rouse Avenue Court had permitted a similar request by the CBI seeking Jhunjhunwala’s production before a Mumbai court. However, the transfer could not be executed as the transit production warrant had expired, leading to procedural delays in the case.
A Mumbai court had issued a transit production warrant requiring Jhunjhunwala to be presented on April 29, 2026. However, logistical challenges and timing constraints prevented the execution of the order within the stipulated schedule.
Medical Condition and Custody Concerns
In his response before the court, Jhunjhunwala has alleged that he has been made a scapegoat in the case and claimed that the action against him is influenced by individuals associated with the promoter group of Reliance ADA Group. He further expressed concerns about the influence and reach of the group involved in the matter.
The court has also taken note of Jhunjhunwala’s medical condition and directed that if he is taken out of Tihar Jail for production in Mumbai, the concerned authorities must ensure appropriate medical care and attention during transit and proceedings.
The CBI has maintained that Jhunjhunwala’s physical presence is necessary for proceedings before the Special CBI Court in Greater Mumbai, where he is required to be produced in connection with the ongoing investigation into alleged financial irregularities linked to Reliance Communications.
The defence side had earlier opposed the production request, arguing that the timing mentioned in the warrant, April 29, 2026, at 3:00 PM, made it logistically difficult to execute the transfer. Concerns were also raised regarding Jhunjhunwala’s health condition, which was cited as a factor against physical movement.
Court to Decide Between Transfer and Video Appearance
The court records indicate that the jail authorities had also proposed an alternative arrangement, suggesting that Jhunjhunwala could be produced through video conferencing. However, the CBI has continued to press for physical production, stating that in-person appearance is necessary for procedural requirements in the Mumbai court.
At present, Jhunjhunwala remains in judicial custody at Tihar Jail in connection with a money laundering case. His legal status and role in the RCom-related investigation continue to be examined as part of the broader probe into alleged financial misconduct involving the telecom company and associated entities.
Legal experts note that the court’s direction for a swift response from prison authorities indicates the urgency attached to the matter, particularly as multiple jurisdictions are involved, including Delhi and Mumbai courts. The coordination between courts, CBI, and prison authorities will play a crucial role in determining the next steps in the case.
