Delhi Court Closes Decades-Old Disproportionate Assets Case Against Former IAS Officer

A Delhi court has closed a disproportionate assets case against former IAS officer Surender Singh Ahluwalia, citing his age and mental instability. The trial, which lasted 32 years, was marred by a lack of witnesses and prolonged delays, ultimately leading to a failure in delivering justice.

A Delhi court has terminated a 32-year-long disproportionate assets case against former IAS officer Surender Singh Ahluwalia. Citing his advanced age and mental instability, Special Judge Anil Antil declared Ahluwalia unfit to stand trial.

The case, which began with an FIR in 1987 and a charge sheet in 1992, saw the prosecution struggle to present witnesses and evidence. Out of 327 witnesses, many were unreachable or had passed away, resulting in only 87 testimonies being examined.

The judge criticized the prolonged delays and lapses in the investigation, noting that justice had been compromised. Despite the case's closure, properties deemed as benami were ordered for confiscation, further underlining the complexities involved.

(With inputs from agencies.)