Lucknow: The Allahabad High Court quashes solar project bribery case, bringing major relief to IAS officer Abhishek Prakash and co-accused Nikant Jain. In a significant order, the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court set aside the charges linked to alleged corruption in a high-value solar manufacturing project in Uttar Pradesh.
The court ruled that the allegations lacked credible evidence and did not constitute an actionable offence under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Prevention of Corruption Act. With this verdict, the chargesheet filed earlier has been cancelled, and the case stands officially closed.
Background of the UP Solar Project Bribery Case
The case was registered on March 20, 2025, in Uttar Pradesh following a complaint alleging bribery in a solar manufacturing project valued at nearly Rs 400 crore.
The complaint claimed that a commission was demanded in return for project clearance. Based on this complaint, legal action was initiated under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Following directions, the Special Task Force (STF) launched an investigation. This led to action against IAS officer Abhishek Prakash and businessman Nikant Jain. A chargesheet was filed on May 15, 2025, formalising the allegations.
Allahabad High Court Directives on UP Solar Project Bribery Case
The Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court carefully examined the case records, complaint details, and the investigation material placed before it.
After reviewing the evidence, the court observed:
- The allegations lacked material proof.
- No actionable offence was made out under the BNS.
- The Prevention of Corruption Act provisions were not properly supported by evidence.
- The charges could not withstand legal scrutiny.
As a result, the court quashed the entire proceedings and cancelled the chargesheet filed in May 2025. This effectively ends the criminal case against the accused.
Complainant Admits Mistake in Court
In a surprising development during the hearing, the complainant informed the court that the complaint had been filed due to a misunderstanding.
The complainant admitted:
- The complaint made to the Chief Minister’s Office was incorrect.
- It stemmed from confusion.
- The allegations were not supported by clear facts.
This admission played a significant role in the court’s final decision.
The High Court noted that when the very foundation of the case lacks substance, continuing prosecution would amount to misuse of legal process.
Legal Angle: BNS and Prevention of Corruption Act
The charges were framed under:
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) – India’s updated criminal law framework.
- Prevention of Corruption Act – The key law dealing with corruption cases involving public servants.
However, the bench concluded that:
- The basic ingredients required to establish an offence were missing.
- There was no credible evidence showing demand or acceptance of illegal gratification.
- The prosecution failed to establish prima facie proof.
In corruption cases, courts require clear evidence of demand, intent, and illegal benefit. The High Court found that such essential elements were absent.
Timeline of Key Events
- March 20, 2025 – Case registered.
- STF Investigation – Action taken against accused.
- May 15, 2025 – Chargesheet filed.
- February 10, 2026 – Allahabad High Court quashes the case.
Read also: Over 1 Lakh Missing Persons in UP: Allahabad High Court Seeks Answers from UP DGP
