Delhi High Court Refuses Interim Protection From Arrest To Ahlmad In Corruption Case, Says Allegations 'Very Serious'

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday refused to grant interim protection from arrest at this stage to an Ahlmad of Rouse Avenue Courts booked in a corruption case by Anti Corruption Branch (ACB).

Justice Amit Sharma said that the allegations against the court staff were very serious and issued notice on his plea seeking anticipatory bail in the case.

The Court sought response of the ACB and listed the matter for hearing on May 29, when the Ahlmad's plea seeking quashing of the FIR is also listed for hearing.

“Very serious allegations. Evidence has come on record. A person from our own staff....They (ACB) have given a statement that they want your custodial interrogation….,” the Court said while refusing to pass a favourable order today.

On May 16, the ACB had registered an FIR against the Ahlmad for the offences under Section 7 and 13 of Prevention of Corruption Act, read with Section 61(2) & 308(2) of BNS. This was after various complaints were received that bribe was being demanded by the court staff from the accused persons in lieu of securing bail.

On May 22, the trial court had dismissed Ahlmad's anticipatory bail application.

Before the trial court, the Ahlmad had contended that the ACB had filed the false FIR in order to settle score with the special judge under whom he was working.

Before the High Court, the Ahlmad filed a petition seeking quashing of the FIR and for transfer of the case from ACB to CBI for fair and proper investigation.

He has also sought departmental enquiry against two officers of the Anti-Corruption Branch- a Joint Commissioner and an ACP, for allegedly underhand dealings, corruption, blackmailing and fabrication of documents.

Title: Mukesh Kumar v. State

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Del) 627