CBI Busts Rs3 Lakh Bribery Case: Deputy Registrar of NCLT Mumbai Among Those Arrested
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a deputy registrar of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) in Mumbai and an individual in a Rs3.30 lakh bribery case. The arrests were made following a complaint from a hotel owner who alleged coercion to pay a bribe for a favorable outcome in a long-running corporate dispute.
CbiNcltBriberyCorruptionHotel Ownership DisputeReal Estate MumbaiMay 29, 2025
According to the CBI, the complainant, a hotel owner, had approached the agency alleging that he was being coerced into paying a bribe to secure a favorable outcome in a company petition pending before NCLT's Mumbai bench since 2020. The case was filed under Sections 241, 242, and 447 of the Companies Act, 2013, and involves allegations of fraudulent share transfers, financial mismanagement, and attempts to shut down the hotel business.
CBI officials stated that the deputy registrar of NCLT allegedly demanded Rs3.5 lakh from the complainant on 11 May 2025, claiming he could use his 'contacts' in the tribunal to influence the matter and have it resolved in the complainant’s favor. Acting on the complaint, CBI registered a case on 14 May 2025 and laid a trap.
On Wednesday, the individual acting on behalf of the deputy registrar was caught red-handed while accepting Rs3 lakh, of which Rs1 lakh was in real currency and the remaining amount was provided as dummy notes for evidentiary purposes. Following the trap, the deputy registrar was also arrested after CBI confirmed that he had orchestrated the demand and had accepted the bribe through the intermediary.
Search operations were also carried out at the residences and premises of both accused individuals in Mumbai and Lucknow, yielding evidence suspected to be linked to the larger modus operandi. CBI has produced both accused before the Competent Court in Mumbai today and is seeking five days of police custody to probe the case further and uncover any wider conspiracy or network involved.
“The investigation is continuing,” CBI said in a statement, indicating that more revelations could follow as the agency delves deeper into the roles of other possible actors in the alleged bribery ring. The arrests come amid growing concern over integrity in quasi-judicial tribunals, particularly those dealing with high-stakes corporate litigation under India’s evolving insolvency and company law frameworks.
The CBI’s proactive approach in this case underscores the agency's commitment to upholding the integrity of judicial and quasi-judicial bodies. The implications of this case highlight the need for stringent measures to prevent and punish corruption in the legal system, ensuring that justice is not compromised by unethical practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT)?
The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) is a quasi-judicial body in India established under the Companies Act, 2013. It deals with various corporate disputes, including matters related to company law, insolvency, and bankruptcy.
Who is the CBI, and what is its role in this case?
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is India's premier investigating agency. In this case, the CBI was responsible for investigating and arresting the deputy registrar of NCLT and an individual involved in a Rs3.30 lakh bribery case.
What was the nature of the hotel ownership dispute mentioned in the case?
The hotel ownership dispute involved allegations of fraudulent share transfers, financial mismanagement, and attempts to shut down the hotel business. The complainant alleged that the deputy registrar of NCLT demanded a bribe to influence the outcome of the case.
How did the CBI catch the accused in the act?
The CBI registered a case based on the complainant's allegations and laid a trap. The individual acting on behalf of the deputy registrar was caught red-handed while accepting Rs3 lakh, part of which was in real currency and the rest in dummy notes.
What are the potential implications of this bribery case for quasi-judicial tribunals in India?
This case highlights the need for stringent measures to prevent and punish corruption in quasi-judicial bodies. It underscores the importance of maintaining the integrity of the legal system to ensure that justice is not compromised by unethical practices.
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