Bombay HC Prohibits Sameer Wankhede From Sharing Any Material Related To The Bribery Case & Investigation

The Bombay High Court has granted an extension of the interim protection to Sameer Wankhede, the former Mumbai zonal director of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), until June 8. Wankhede is facing allegations of bribery in connection with the arrest of Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan's son, Aryan Khan, in a drug case in 2021.

However, the vacation bench, consisting of Justices Abhay Ahuja and MM Sathaye, has imposed certain conditions on Wankhede. These conditions include prohibiting him from sharing any material related to the case or investigation through platforms like WhatsApp or any other means. He is also forbidden from making any press statements and tampering with any evidence related to the matter.

Additionally, the Court has ordered Wankhede to submit an undertaking affidavit before the end of the day.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) raised objections to Sameer Wankhede revealing text messages with actor Shah Rukh Khan in his petition and subsequently sharing them with the media. As a result, the Court, which was considering Wankhede's petition to dismiss the FIR filed by the CBI against him and others for extortion and corruption, imposed certain conditions.

During the proceedings, Patil, representing the CBI, informed the Court that Wankhede had leaked specific conversations with Shah Rukh Khan, which were included in his petition. The Court expressed its dissatisfaction with Wankhede's actions, questioning the need to circulate the chats while the matter was still under judicial consideration. The bench further asked why Wankhede approached the media after already presenting his case to the court.

Senior Advocate Abad Ponda, representing Wankhede, assured the court that his client had not disseminated any chat messages. He further clarified that the media had only obtained the chats that were attached to the petition and nothing beyond that. In response, Patil argued that Wankhede should have cooperated with the investigating officer when summoned and refrained from transmitting any messages regarding the FIR to the media or anyone else. Patil added that if Wankhede adhered to these conditions, there might be no need for an arrest. However, he requested the court not to grant Wankhede blanket protection.

After considering the arguments from both sides, the Court decided to extend the protection granted on May 19 until June 8.

The drug case involving Aryan Khan originated from a search and seizure operation conducted on the Mumbai-Goa cruise on October 2, 2021. This operation resulted in 20 arrests, including Aryan Khan. Aryan Khan was subsequently granted bail on October 28, 2021, and was cleared of all charges on May 27, 2022. Later, the CBI registered an FIR against Wankhede, accusing him of offenses related to bribery and extortion.

Initially, Wankhede approached the Delhi High Court seeking protection. However, when the issue of territorial jurisdiction was raised by the CBI, Wankhede withdrew his plea and was granted the liberty to approach the appropriate forum. Subsequently, the present petition was filed before the Bombay HC,  seeking the quashing of the FIR and interim relief.