Delhi High Court issues notice to CBI, CAG, Centre on plea by Lieutenant Colonel alleging corruption in Indian Army

The Delhi High Court recently issued notice to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Central government and the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) on a plea filed by an army officer seeking a probe into the allegations of corruption in the Indian Army. 

Justice Prateek Jalan asked the authorities to file their responses within four weeks and posted the case for further consideration on May 19.

The Court was hearing a plea by Lieutenant Colonel Sumit Sheoran seeking a court-monitored CBI probe into the allegations made by him against Indian Army officers.

He argued that he uncovered large-scale financial irregularities in procurement under the Annual Contingent Grant (ACG) while posted in New Delhi. 

As per the plea, public funds were misused through manipulated procurement processes, falsified records, and diversion of government property. Goods purchased with public money were allegedly misrepresented as belonging to officers’ messes while procurement limits were split to avoid scrutiny.

“Acting in discharge of his duty, the petitioner submitted a series of complaints beginning 06.09.2024, supported by documentary material and clearly attributing roles to specific officers. Despite the seriousness of the allegations, no action was taken by any authority, thereby enabling continuation of offences and destruction of evidence. The inaction was not accidental but part of a pattern of deliberate suppression, as the very officers against whom complaints were made were part of the same command structure responsible for acting upon them,” it was submitted. 

Further, he claimed that his computer system was accessed without authorisation, suggesting a targeted cyber intrusion.

Sheoran stated that he filed a detailed complaint to the CBI in January 2025 but no FIR was registered. 

He also alleged that he faced retaliation after he made the complaints, including by way of adverse performance reports and a transfer to Nagpur. 

Advocate Ankur Malik appeared for Lieutenant Colonel Sumit Sheoran. 

Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Rajni Gupta and advocate Shivender Gupta represented the CBI.

Central Government Standing Counsel Ishkaran Singh Bhandari and advocate Vishal Baliyan represented the Central government. 

CAG was represented by advocate Dr SS Hooda.

[Read Order]