Chandigarh: In a major development, a Panchkula court has discharged senior Haryana IAS officer Vijay Dahiya (IAS: 2001:HY) in a high-profile corruption case after the Haryana government refused to grant prosecution sanction.
The State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) informed the court that it had repeatedly sought sanction from the competent authority to prosecute Dahiya following the completion of the investigation.
However, the Chief Secretary’s office declined to grant sanction through a letter dated January 9, 2026, effectively barring the agency from moving forward with charges.
Court’s Observations on IAS Vijay Dahiya Corruption Case
Additional District and Sessions Judge Bikramjit Aroura observed:
“It is well-settled that a sanction for prosecution under Section 19 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, is a condition precedent for taking cognisance of offences alleged against a public servant for acts done in discharge of official duties. In the absence of a valid prosecution sanction, the Court is legally barred from proceeding further against such an accused.”
Read also: Hazaribag Land Scam: IAS Officer Vinay Chaubey Officially Declared Accused by Anti-Corruption Bureau
The court clarified in its order on January 17, 2026, that the discharge of Vijay Dahiya was solely because of the absence of prosecution sanction.
The order also noted that the prosecution could resume if a valid sanction is granted in the future.
The ACB submitted that in the absence of sanction, it was not inclined to file a chargesheet, paving the way for Dahiya’s discharge.
Earlier, the state government had objected to the registration of the FIR without prior approval under Section 17-A of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Background of the IAS Vijay Dahiya Corruption Case
The controversy began on April 20, 2023, when the ACB registered an FIR naming three individuals:
- Vijay Dahiya, then Administrative Secretary of the Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Department
- Deepak Sharma, Chief Skills Officer (contractual appointee) in the Haryana Skill Development Mission
- Poonam Chopra, a private individual
The complaint was filed by Rinku Manchanda, a Fatehabad-based educationalist running Gramin Shiksha under the Haryana Skill Development Mission.
Manchanda alleged that the department owed him ₹50 lakh, and he was asked to pay a ₹5 lakh bribe to process the payments.
According to the FIR, Dahiya was accused of facilitating early bill clearance in exchange for illegal gratification. The complainant allegedly paid ₹2 lakh to Poonam Chopra, associated with Dahiya, as part payment.
The remaining amount was demanded on April 20, 2023, which led the ACB to lay a trap and eventually arrest Chopra, exposing the case.
Investigation and Sanction Refusal
The ACB completed its investigation and sought prosecution sanction multiple times:
- July 2024: First request for sanction
- January 2025: Reminder to the competent authority
- August 2025: Final reminder
However, the Haryana government declined to grant sanction, citing insufficient evidence to establish a direct exchange of graft money between Dahiya, the other accused, and the complainant.
The court discharge emphasizes that without prosecution sanction under Section 19, public servants cannot be legally prosecuted for alleged offences committed while performing official duties.
Previous Arrest and Bail
Dahiya was arrested on October 10, 2023, in connection with the case and spent 49 days in custody before being granted bail on November 28, 2023.
Current Posting of Vijay Dahiya
Currently, Vijay Dahiya serves as Principal Secretary, overseeing three departments:
- Printing and Stationery
- Animal Husbandry
- Sports
Implications on the IAS Vijay Dahiya Corruption Case
The discharge of Vijay Dahiya highlights the importance of legal procedures under the Prevention of Corruption Act and reinforces that prosecution sanction is a condition precedent for taking cognisance against public servants.
While Dahiya has been discharged, the court’s order allows for future proceedings if the government grants sanction, keeping the door open for legal action should new evidence emerge.
Read also: Haryana Govt Refuses Nod to Prosecute IAS Officer Vijay Dahiya in Corruption Case
