Delhi High Court Halts Lokpal's Proceedings Against Defence Secretary

The Delhi High Court has issued a stay on proceedings initiated by the Lokpal of India against Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and others, concerning alleged irregularities in promotions at the National Productivity Council . A Division Bench comprising Justices Chandra Dhari Singh and Anup Jairam Bhambhani also suspended the enforcement of orders and notices issued by the Lokpal to Singh and other petitioners.

The case originated from a complaint alleging procedural anomalies in the promotions conducted by the NPC on 28 March 2023. In January 2025, the Lokpal issued notices to Singh and other officials regarding the matter. Subsequently, Singh and the petitioners approached the High Court, challenging the proceedings.

The petitioners argued that the promotions in question took place before Singh assumed charge as Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade on 21 April 2023. They further contended that the Lokpal's actions exceeded its statutory jurisdiction, as the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, only permits inquiries into allegations of corruption or offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act.