The Delhi High Court has dismissed Lokpal proceedings against Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh in the NPC promotions controversy, ruling that the case fell outside the Lokpal’s jurisdiction and involved no corruption-related allegations.
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NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court has invalidated the proceedings initiated by the Lokpal of India against Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and several other officials in relation to allegations concerning promotion practices at the National Productivity Council (NPC).
The Bench comprising Justices Anil Kshetarpal and Harish Vaidynathan Shankar concluded that the Lokpal’s intervention in the matter was beyond its legal authority.
Background of the Case
The dispute arose from a complaint questioning the legitimacy of NPC promotions held on March 28, 2023. Acting on this complaint, the Lokpal issued notices to Singh and others in January 2024, prompting them to approach the High Court.
The court temporarily halted the Lokpal proceedings in March 2024, eventually delivering a final decision to quash them altogether.
Petitioners’ Arguments
The petitioners submitted that:
- The promotions took place before Rajesh Kumar Singh assumed charge as Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) on April 21, 2023.
- The Lokpal exceeded its jurisdiction, as the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, only applies to cases involving corruption or offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
- Irregularities in promotions do not constitute corruption or criminal misconduct under the Act.
The High Court agreed, ruling that the Lokpal proceedings could not continue on the basis presented.
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Who is Rajesh Kumar Singh?
Rajesh Kumar Singh is a senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the 1989 Kerala cadre. Over his career, he has held several significant roles within the Government of India, including:
- Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)
- Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying
- Various policy and administrative assignments
On November 1, 2024, he was appointed as the 40th Defence Secretary of India, succeeding Giridhar Aramane.
Appearance:
Rajesh Kumar Singh: Senior Advocate Vikas Singh and Advocates Varun Singh, Deepeika Kalia, Kajal Gupta, Somesa Gupta and Sudeep Chandra.
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