Court Accepts CBI Closure Report in Graft Case Against AAP Leader Satyendar Jain

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A special court in Delhi has accepted the closure report filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in a corruption case involving former Delhi Public Works Department (PWD) minister and senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Satyendar Jain. The court found no evidence of criminal misconduct or financial loss to the government, bringing an end to a nearly four-year-long investigation.

The case originated in May 2019 after the Directorate of Vigilance under the Delhi government filed a complaint against Jain and other officials. The complaint alleged irregularities in the hiring of a 17-member creative team consultancy for the PWD. The charges included bypassing recruitment rules, misusing project funds such as those from the Barapullah Phase-III scheme, and manipulating the process to favor a particular agency.

After a detailed probe, the CBI submitted a closure report, stating that no criminal intent or illegal gain was established. Special CBI Judge Dig Vinay Singh, in his ruling on August 4, observed that administrative lapses, even if present, did not amount to criminal conduct. He emphasized that suspicion alone cannot justify prosecution under the Prevention of Corruption Act or for criminal conspiracy.

The investigation revealed that around 1,700 candidates had applied for the consultancy roles, and those hired were selected through a structured process. Payments made were in line with industry standards, and no evidence was found of undue influence or financial irregularities.

The ruling was welcomed by AAP leaders, who maintained that the charges were politically motivated. Party officials said the case had caused unwarranted damage to Jain’s reputation and called for accountability from those who initiated the probe.

However, the matter may not be fully closed for Jain. A separate inquiry is currently underway regarding alleged irregularities in the construction of a new hospital block at LNJP Hospital during his tenure. The file has been sent to the Lieutenant Governor for further review.