Nirmal Yadav Acquitted: 17-Year Case Ends

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

• Former judge Nirmal Yadav acquitted by CBI court in ‘cash-at-judge’s door’ case.
• The 17-year-old case also saw the acquittal of Ravinder Singh Bhasin, Rajiv Gupta, and Nirmal Singh.
• Special CBI court Judge Justice Alka Malik delivered the verdict.
• Nirmal Yadav faced corruption charges dating back to 2008.
• The CBI filed a charge sheet against Nirmal Yadav in 2011.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Former Punjab and Haryana High Court judge Justice Nirmal Yadav Acquittal in the ‘cash-at-judge’s door’ case by a CBI court. This case, 17 years old, also saw the acquittal of Ravinder Singh Bhasin, Rajiv Gupta, and Nirmal Singh. Another accused, Sanjeev Bansal, died during the trial. With the Nirmal Yadav Acquittal, a long chapter closes.

CBI Court Verdict

Special CBI court Judge Justice Alka Malik pronounced the order. Advocate Vishal, representing Justice Nirmal Yadav, stated, “A false narrative was set that money was sent as a bribe, but there was nothing like that, and the Court acquitted everyone today.”

Background of the Case

The case came to light in August 2008 when a packet containing Rs 15 Lakh cash was delivered to Justice Nirmaljit Kaur’s residence. It was alleged that the cash was meant for Justice Nirmal Yadav, then a sitting judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The ‘cash-at-judge’s door’ case shook the judiciary.

How the Revelation Happened

On August 13, 2008, a person arrived at Justice Nirmaljit Kaur’s house to deliver the Rs 15 Lakh cash. He was apprehended, and the police were called, leading to the registration of an FIR. Later, the case was transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) under the direction of then UT administrator SF Rodrigues.

Investigation Findings

The investigation revealed that the money was sent by Sanjeev Bansal, former Additional Advocate General of Haryana, through his peon Parkash Ram. When Parkash Ram reached Justice Nirmaljit Kaur’s house, he claimed the packet contained documents from Delhi. However, upon Justice Nirmaljit Kaur’s insistence, the packet was opened, revealing currency notes. The peon was then detained by the police.

CBI’s Charge Sheet

The matter was reported to the Chandigarh Police, but the case was later handed over to the CBI. On March 4, 2011, the CBI charge-sheeted Justice Nirmal Yadav, who was then a judge in the Uttarakhand High Court, on the day of her retirement. Besides Justice Nirmal Yadav, charges were framed against four others: lawyer Sanjiv Bansal (who arranged the money delivery); Delhi businessman Ravinder Singh (who provided the Rs 15 lakh); Rajiv Gupta (business partner of Sanjiv Bansal, who delivered the packet on August 14, 2008); and Nirmal Singh (a private individual).

Judicial Transfer and Allegations

Justice Nirmal Yadav was transferred from the Punjab and Haryana High Court in November 2009. The CBI maintained that Justice Yadav had committed an offense punishable under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The court also ordered charges against Bansal, Gupta, and Singh under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Justice Yadav’s Claims

In 2013, Justice Nirmal Yadav asserted that she was targeted by fellow members of the judiciary who conspired against her.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

• CBI court acquitted Nirmal Yadav in the ‘cash-at-judge’s door’ case.
• Other accused were also acquitted in the 17-year-old case.
• Justice Alka Malik delivered the verdict.
• Nirmal Yadav faced corruption charges stemming from 2008.
• The CBI filed the charge sheet in 2011.

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