CBI Books Advisory Firm Owner & Employee in ₹20 Lakh NCLT Bribery Case

Mumbai: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has booked the proprietor and an employee of a corporate advisory firm for allegedly accepting a ₹20 lakh bribe to influence the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), Mumbai, for a favorable order.

The accused, identified as A. Khetan (proprietor) and M. Bhat (employee), allegedly promised a businessman a favorable verdict in an ongoing NCLT proceeding. According to the CBI FIR, Bhat claimed to have close ties with an NCLT judicial member and initially demanded ₹1 crore, later settling for ₹20 lakh as an advance.

The businessman, however, approached the CBI and filed a complaint on January 27, leading to an investigation. The agency found that the bribe was deposited in the firm’s bank account on February 4, while an additional ₹80 lakh was to be paid upon the verdict. The order, expected by February 14, was not delivered.

CBI officials also searched the premises of a former senior NCLT officer. The case has been registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for criminal conspiracy.

Denying all allegations, Khetan stated, “I categorically deny these claims. My firm upholds the highest ethical standards and will fully cooperate with the investigation.”