The Delhi High Court on Friday gave the green light to the Central Government to resume disciplinary proceedings against IRS officer Sameer Wankhede. A division bench comprising Justice Anil Kshetarpal and Justice Amit Mahajan accepted the government’s petition, setting aside an earlier order that had paused the inquiry. This decision means the departmental probe into Wankhede’s conduct during the 2021 Cordelia Cruise drug case will now continue as per the rules.
Why the High Court Intervened
Earlier in January 2026, the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) had stopped the inquiry against Wankhede, citing procedural issues. The tribunal felt the charges were driven by legal malice. However, the Central Government challenged this view in the High Court. The bench ruled that the tribunal should not have stopped the process at such an early stage. The court stated that the internal disciplinary mechanism is the right place to decide the merits of the case, rather than blocking it beforehand.
Details of the Charges
The disciplinary action against Wankhede stems from a ‘Charge Memorandum’ issued by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) in August 2025. The authorities have raised serious concerns about his actions while he was the Zonal Director of the NCB.
- It is alleged that he unauthorizedly sought confidential information from the legal department after leaving the agency.
- The charges include attempts to influence the investigation by seeking assurances from legal advisors.
- The proceedings also touch upon the broader controversy involving the alleged demand for bribes during the Aryan Khan investigation.
What Happens Next for the Officer
With this court order, the stay on the proceedings has been lifted. Sameer Wankhede is now required to face the inquiry and respond to the charges framed against him. The High Court noted that the allegations are based on specific documents, including call transcripts, which need to be examined properly. This ruling ensures that the official scrutiny into the alleged procedural lapses and misconduct during the high-profile drug bust will reach a formal conclusion.
