The Delhi High Court came down heavily on the lackadaisical attitude of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) concerning disciplinary proceedings against IRS officer Sameer Wankhede (IRS-C&IT:2008). The court ordered the CAT to decide the case within a fixed timeline by January 14 or within ten days thereafter. These proceedings against Wankhede stem from allegations linked to the Cordelia cruise raid.
The court noted that a regular case had been registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) alleging that a bribe was sought from an accused in the case.
The matter was heard on Monday by a Division Bench of Justice Anil Kshetarpal and Justice Amit Mahajan.
The court was told that an earlier petition before the Bombay High Court had resulted in an interim protection given to him against coercive action. It was also told that a transcript that was placed on record indicated that one Japaan Babu was being pressured to share information related to an unconnected matter. The Union of India submitted that these circumstances stalled the inquiry.
As per records, the Union of India challenged the CAT’s interim order passed on August 27, 2025, staying further disciplinary proceedings against Wankhede.
As the original application is listed for final hearing on January 14, the High Court disposed of the petition, giving specific directions to the CAT to take up the matter on January 14 and decide it either that day or within ten days thereafter.
With its interim order having been challenged, the High Court directed the tribunal to adjudicate the original application independently.
The HC Bench refrained from making observations on the impugned order.
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