SAIL scam: Delhi High Court to hear Soma Mondal’s stay on Dec 9
It’s one of the rare cases where stay against Lokpal order is operational for over 2 years now
In the complaints lodged by the Whistle Blower Rajeev Bhatia, on January 10, 2024, Lokpal handed over the complaints to CBI for detailed investigation and to unearth the possible connivance and conspiracy between SAIL officials and the private firms who benefited from the illegal nefarious acts of SAIL officials. Even highly paid legal eagles who received Rs 70 lakhs from SAIL’s exchequer could not save alleged SAIL officials from the CBI investigations.
Soma had approached the Delhi High Court challenging the final judgment dated January 10, 2024 of the Lokpal. On July 26, 2024, the court granted her stay and directed CBI not to proceed with the investigation against her in the LOKPAL Complaint No. 74/2023 pertaining to Avon Steel Industries P Ltd.
During the hearing on July 23, 2026, court directed both the parties to file their written submissions, not running into more than three pages, and relevant case laws that they want to rely upon and has listed the matter on Dec 09, 2026 for final disposal.
Since the stay is under operation since July 26, 2024, CBI is not able to investigate her and as a result LOKPAL of India is not able to pronounce its judgement.
Total seven complaints of the Whistle Blower pending before LOKPAL of India bearing numbers: 73/2023; 74/2023; 146/2024; 155/2024; 168/2024; 180/2024 and 195/2024.
Given the inordinate delay in disposal of the petition of Soma Mondal, legal experts are of the opinion that since stay is operational only in Complaint No. 74/2023, LOKPAL may decide to pronounce judgement in other cases keeping 74/2023 pending.
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IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI; W.P.(C) 10247/2024 SOMA MONDAL vs LOKPAL OF INDIA & ANR [Respondent 1 is LOKPAL and Respondent 2 is CBI] |
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Order dated 26.07.2024
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Mr. Jain has made out a prima facie case. The issues raised by him, would require consideration. Accordingly, the CBI is directed not to proceed with the investigation of Complaint No. 74/2023, against the Petitioner, till the next date of hearing. It is made clear that the CBI is otherwise permitted to carry out the investigations as directed in the impugned judgment dated 10th Jan, 2024. Renotify on 5th Dec, 2024. |
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Order dated 05.12.2024
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Let counter affidavit be filed by Respondent no. 1 within four weeks from today with advance copy to the Petitioner, who may file rejoinder thereto, if any, before the next date of hearing. Let rejoinder be also filed by the Petitioner to the counter affidavit of Respondent no. 2. Re-notify on 17th Apr, 2025 |
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Order dated 17.04.2025 |
The matter could not be taken up today due to paucity of time. List on 25.09.2025. |
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Order dated 25.09.2025 |
The matter could not be taken up today due to paucity of time. Re-notify on 12.02.2026. |
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Order dated 12.02.2026. |
At the request of the petitioner, four weeks’ time is granted to file the rejoinder. List on 23.07.2026. |
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Order dated 23.07.2026 |
Both the parties are directed to file their written submissions, not running into more than three pages, and relevant case laws that they want to rely upon. Let the same be filed at least two days prior to the next date of hearing. List for final disposal on 09.12.2026. |
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