Delhi HC ruling gives ACB more teeth, buoys AAP

While dismissing a bail application of a head constable, who was arrested by the ACB in a corruption case, the HC rejected the plea which said the ACB had no jurisdiction. 

A bench of Justice Vipin Sanghi disallowed constable Anil Kumar’s bail application saying his submission that the anti-corruption branch (ACB) of the government of national capital territory Delhi (GNCTD) does not have the competence or jurisdiction to act on the complaint of the complainant is rejected. 

“Since the applicant is a Delhi Police personnel serving the citizens in the NCTD and the functions of the Delhi Police personnel substantially and essentially relate to the affairs of the GNCTD, in my view, the ACB of the GNCTD has the jurisdiction to entertain and act on a complaint under the PC Act in respect of a Delhi Police officer or official, and to investigate and prosecute the crime,” the judge said.