CBI Drops Businessman in Bribery Case; NCLT Deputy Registrar Faces Charges

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has removed a businessman from its bribery case involving a deputy registrar of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) in Mumbai. The agency concluded there is no evidence that the businessman, Karasan Ahir, knew the money he collected—₹3 lakh—was intended as a bribe.

The case centers on Charan Pratap Singh, the deputy registrar, who allegedly demanded ₹3.5 lakh from a complainant embroiled in a long-standing hotel ownership dispute. The complainant, who approached the CBI, claimed the bribe was solicited to influence the tribunal’s decision favorably.

According to the investigation, Singh arranged for one of his staff members to stay at the complainant’s Lonavala hotel with her family. After their stay, a bill of ₹30,000 remained unpaid. During a later meeting, Singh allegedly insinuated that he could resolve the ongoing case in exchange for the payment. He then instructed Ahir to collect the ₹3 lakh, which he said was for facilitating the tribunal order.

However, after a thorough probe, the CBI found no proof that Ahir played an active role in the demand or acceptance of the bribe. He claimed he was simply following Singh’s directions and was unaware of the money’s illicit nature.

The CBI filed a chargesheet against Singh under the Prevention of Corruption Act, and the court has formally taken cognisance of the case. The court noted that the preliminary evidence suggests Singh demanded ₹6.5 lakh in total and accepted ₹3 lakh through Ahir.

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