Delhi High Court Calls for CBI Reply on Bail Plea of Army Officer in Corruption Case
New Delhi, June 16: The Delhi High Court has sought a response from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on a regular bail application filed by Lieutenant Colonel Abhishek Kumar Mishra, an Indian Army officer currently facing allegations in a corruption-related case.
The matter came up before Vacation Judge Justice Madhu Jain, who issued a formal notice to the investigating agency and directed it to submit its response before the next hearing. The case is now listed before the vacation bench on June 24.
Lt. Colonel Mishra was serving on deputation as a Deputy Commissioner with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) when the alleged incident took place. His request for bail had previously been rejected by a trial court, prompting him to approach the High Court for relief.
During earlier proceedings, the Special Public Prosecutor appearing for the CBI acknowledged receipt of the notice and requested additional time to place a detailed status report before the court. Accepting the request, Justice Jain directed the agency to file the report ahead of the scheduled hearing date.
In addition, the High Court instructed the concerned Jail Superintendent to provide the latest nominal roll of the accused, enabling the court to review his custodial status and related details.
The case against Lt. Colonel Mishra has been registered under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, as well as the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. Investigators are examining allegations linked to corruption during his tenure on deputation.
Arguing in support of bail, senior counsel representing the officer informed the court that the petitioner has remained in judicial custody for approximately three and a half months. The defense contended that although the prosecution has described the matter as a trap case, no incriminating recovery was allegedly made from the officer himself.
The defense further maintained that the available evidence does not justify continued incarceration and urged the court to consider granting regular bail while the investigation and trial process continue.
The CBI, on the other hand, is expected to present its findings and explain its position regarding the bail request in the upcoming hearing. The agency’s status report is likely to play a crucial role in determining the future course of the proceedings.
The High Court is expected to examine the arguments from both sides on June 24 before deciding whether the officer should be granted relief or remain in custody pending further investigation and judicial proceedings.
As the case continues to attract attention due to the involvement of a serving Army officer on deputation to a civic body, legal observers will be closely watching the next hearing for significant developments.
