The Delhi High Court has stayed the proceedings initiated by the Lokpal of India against Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh over the alleged irregularities in promotions at the National Productivity Council (NPC).
The Bench of Justice Chandra Dhari Singh and Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani stayed the orders passed on January 6 and March 4, 2025, along with the notice issued on January 7, 2025, and the proceedings pending before the Lokpal under complaint no 162/2024, till the next date of hearing.
Appearing for the petitioner, Senior Advocate Vikas Singh challenged the validity of the Lokpal’s order and notices, arguing that it was issued beyond the respondent’s jurisdiction. He contended that under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, the anti-corruption body could only act in cases involving offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
The present case did not involve any allegations of corruption but rather irregularities in the promotions conducted by the NPC on March 28, 2023, prior to Rajesh Kumar Singh assuming office as Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) on April 21, 2023, the Senior Counsel pointed out.
He argued that such irregularities did not fall under the ambit of the PC Act, rendering the Lokpal’s actions beyond its authority.
As per Senior Advocate Singh, the Lokpal had dismissed their jurisdictional objections in an March 4, 2025 order. The respondent ruled that the complaint met procedural requirements and could not be dismissed at a preliminary stage, he added.
After hearing the submissions, the High Court stayed the Lokpal order and proceedings on the grounds that the matter required in-depth consideration.