The Delhi High Court has granted anticipatory bail to Ravjeet Singh in a corruption case investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation. The Court observed that merely giving “smart answers” during questioning cannot be treated as non-cooperation with investigators.
Justice Girish Kathpalia passed the order on March 12, 2026, while hearing Singh’s plea seeking protection from arrest in a case registered under provisions of the anti-corruption law and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
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Background of the Case
The case arises from FIR No. RC2172025A0024 dated December 19, 2025, registered by the CBI in connection with alleged corruption involving defence-related business dealings.
According to the prosecution, the main accused, Lt. Col. Deepak Sharma, allegedly engaged in corrupt activities by conspiring with representatives of private companies involved in defence manufacturing, logistics and exports.
The agency alleged that Ravjeet Singh, who was managing India operations of a Dubai-based company, had been in contact with Sharma to obtain undue favours from government ministries and departments.
Investigators claimed that the arrangement involved seeking approvals from the Ministry of External Affairs in return for illegal gratification. During a CBI raid, a sum of ₹3 lakh was allegedly recovered from Lt. Col. Sharma, which the agency described as part of the bribery transaction.
Senior counsel appearing for Singh argued that the main accused, Lt. Col. Sharma, had already been granted bail and therefore Singh should receive similar relief, especially since the role attributed to him was comparatively minor.
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The defence also highlighted that much of the evidence relied upon by investigators consisted of screenshots of WhatsApp conversations rather than the original chat records.
On the other hand, the CBI opposed anticipatory bail mainly on the ground that Singh had not cooperated with the investigation despite being issued notices to join the probe.
Justice Kathpalia examined the reasons cited by the investigating agency and questioned the basis for opposing the bail plea.
The Court noted that the main accused had already been released on bail and that the CBI had not placed any substantial reason, other than alleged non-cooperation, to justify denying anticipatory bail.
Addressing the prosecution’s claim regarding lack of cooperation, the bench made a pointed remark during the hearing.
“The ground that the accused would not cooperate in interrogation is vague and unacceptable,” the Court observed.
It further added, “Merely because an accused is smart in responding to the questions of the interrogator, it cannot be said that he is not cooperating in the interrogation. Nobody is under a duty not to be smart.”
The Court also noted that investigators had not expressed any apprehension that Singh would evade the probe or flee if granted anticipatory bail.
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During the hearing, the Court was informed that the main chargesheet in the case had already been filed on February 16, 2026. However, the CBI stated that further investigation was continuing and that a supplementary chargesheet might be filed later.
The agency requested that the accused be directed to join the investigation to assist in completing the remaining probe.
Taking into account the overall circumstances of the case, the Delhi High Court allowed Ravjeet Singh’s anticipatory bail application.
The Court directed that in the event of his arrest, Singh shall be released on bail upon furnishing a personal bond of ₹50,000 along with one surety of the same amount to the satisfaction of the investigating officer.
The Court further directed that the accused must join the investigation whenever required in writing by the investigating officer and must not attempt to tamper with evidence.
With these directions, the bail application and connected applications were disposed of.
Case Title: Ravjeet Singh vs Central Bureau of Investigation
Case No.: Bail Application No. 328/2026
Decision Date: 12 March 2026
