In a significant move to address alleged corruption within Tihar Jail, the Delhi High Court has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct a preliminary inquiry into an extortion racket purportedly operating inside the prison. The court’s decision follows a report by an inspecting judge that unveiled disturbing irregularities and potential criminal activities involving both inmates and jail officials.

Background of the Allegations

The case came to light after a former inmate, Mohit Kumar Goyal, filed a petition alleging that an extortion syndicate was active within Tihar Jail. Goyal, who had been incarcerated for two months in a cheating case, claimed that certain inmates, with the connivance of jail officials, were running an organized racket to extort money from fellow prisoners in exchange for providing unauthorized facilities.

Findings of the Inspecting Judge

Acting on Goyal’s petition, the Delhi High Court had previously appointed a judge to inspect Central Jail No. 8 and the Semi-Open Prison. The judge’s report, submitted in a sealed cover on April 7, 2025, revealed alarming details. It indicated that the jail’s official landline was being misused for illicit activities and that there was a nexus between certain inmates and jail staff facilitating the extortion operations.

The report was based on interviews with inmates and staff, as well as an analysis of call data records, highlighting the depth of the alleged misconduct within the prison system.

Court’s Directives

Upon reviewing the report, a bench comprising Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyay and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela expressed grave concern over the findings. The court noted that the report pointed to “very disturbing and startling facts” concerning the functioning of Tihar Jail.

In response, the court ordered the CBI to initiate a preliminary inquiry into the alleged extortion racket. Additionally, the Delhi government’s Principal Secretary (Home) was directed to conduct an administrative inquiry to identify the officials responsible for the lapses and to ensure accountability within the prison administration.

Implications and Next Steps

The court emphasized the need for both criminal and administrative investigations to proceed concurrently. It instructed that the Director-General of Delhi Prisons extend full cooperation to the Principal Secretary during the administrative inquiry.

Both the CBI and the Delhi government’s Home Department have been asked to submit their respective reports by August 4, 2025. The court’s proactive stance underscores its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that prisons operate within the bounds of legality and ethical conduct.

Previous Instances and Broader Context

This is not the first time Tihar Jail has come under scrutiny for alleged misconduct. In July of the previous year, the CBI had informed the High Court about a preliminary inquiry into similar allegations involving conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar, who accused jail officials of extorting money from him.

The recurring nature of such allegations points to systemic issues within the prison system, necessitating comprehensive reforms and stringent oversight to prevent abuse of power and protect the rights of inmates.

The Delhi High Court’s directive for a CBI probe into the alleged extortion racket in Tihar Jail marks a critical step towards transparency and accountability in the prison system. By addressing these serious allegations head-on, the judiciary aims to restore public confidence in the integrity of correctional institutions and ensure that justice is served both within and outside prison walls.