The Delhi High Court has directed the Vigilance Department to quickly complete its inquiry against Tihar Jail officials accused of running an extortion racket. The Court criticised the government’s “lackadaisical approach” and demanded progress reports by January 2026.
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has directed the Delhi government’s Vigilance Department to quickly finish the disciplinary inquiry and take strict action against the Tihar Jail officials who are allegedly involved in an extortion racket inside the jail.
A Division Bench consisting of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela gave this order, asking the Vigilance Department to appoint an inquiry officer within two weeks.
The direction came after the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) of the Delhi government informed the Court that he would personally follow up with the Vigilance Department and make sure that an official is appointed to conduct the inquiry soon. The Court made it clear that the process should not be delayed any further.
The Bench stated,
“Once the official is appointed, the requisite formality such as constitution of chargesheet, its approval and conclusion shall also be undertaken within this short span of time.”
The Court has fixed January 7, 2026, as the next hearing date. By that time, the Delhi government must submit a detailed progress report on the disciplinary action taken against the officials.
The Court further said,
“The CBI shall also file a status report regarding the development in the criminal proceedings.”
This case stems from a public interest petition that highlighted serious allegations of corruption, malpractices, and misconduct inside Tihar Jail. The plea claimed that an extortion racket was being run by certain inmates in collusion with jail authorities.
Earlier, considering the gravity of the allegations, the Delhi High Court had directed a judicial officer to visit Tihar Jail and conduct an independent inquiry.
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The judicial officer later submitted a detailed report in a sealed cover to the Court. After examining the report, the Court ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the matter.
Alongside the CBI inquiry, the Court had also instructed the Delhi government to carry out its own investigation and take disciplinary action against the jail officials involved in the alleged misconduct.
However, during the recent hearing on October 28, the Bench expressed its disappointment over the Delhi government’s delay in acting against the accused officials.
The Court criticised the government for its slow and negligent handling of the matter and stated that there was no visible progress in the disciplinary proceedings.
The Bench firmly noted that the government’s conduct reflected a “lackadaisical approach” towards such a serious issue and that it had failed to proceed with disciplinary action against suspended Tihar jail officials.
Due to this inaction, the Court summoned the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) to appear personally and explain the reasons behind the delay.
The High Court’s directions underline the seriousness of the allegations and the urgent need for accountability within the jail administration.
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The Court made it clear that it expects both the Delhi government and the CBI to act swiftly, conduct fair investigations, and submit progress reports before the next hearing date.
The case has once again brought attention to the long-standing issues within Tihar Jail, one of Asia’s largest prisons, and the need for stricter vigilance, transparency, and reforms in jail management to prevent corruption and ensure justice.
Case Title:
Mohit Kumar Goyal v State of NCT of Delhi & Ors.
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