Jaipur, India — In a major procedural setback in the ongoing Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) scam investigation in Rajasthan, the lawyer representing retired IAS officer Subodh Agarwal has stepped away from the case, delaying his petition to quash the FIR. The primary legal development comes as the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) continues probing alleged tender irregularities linked to the multi-crore JJM scheme.
Rajasthan Jal Jeevan Mission Scam: Latest Court Update
On 19 February 2026, Subodh Agarwal’s lawyer, Advocate Deepak Chauhan, filed an application in the Rajasthan High Court asking to quash the FIR registered by the ACB against Agarwal.
However, just two days later, Chauhan submitted a request to withdraw his power of attorney and withdrew from representing Agarwal. Because of this, the petition will not be heard until a new lawyer files fresh legal authority to act for Agarwal.
Why Is This Significant?
The FIR Agarwal seeks to quash is central to an alleged ₹900-crore corruption case involving the Jal Jeevan Mission — a flagship rural drinking water program. The ACB filed the FIR as part of its investigation into irregular tender awards and forged certificates used by contractors.
Agarwal’s legal team maintained in their petition that:
- Most tenders linked to the case were approved before Agarwal’s tenure at the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), presided by another senior official.
- Only a small portion of tenders were authorized during his term.
- No payments were released during his tenure, meaning the government did not incur financial loss on his watch.
Details of ACB’s Ongoing Probe on Rajasthan Jal Jeevan Mission Scam
While Agarwal’s legal fight paused, the Anti-Corruption Bureau continues its investigation and has taken key steps:
- Look Out Notice issued on 18 February to prevent Agarwal from leaving India.
- ACB is actively searching for him in connection with the case.
The broader investigation has already seen arrests of several departmental officials and raids across states for alleged tender manipulation and use of forged certificates.
What Happens Next?
With Agarwal’s lawyer stepping down:
- The High Court will list the quash petition only after new counsel files a fresh vakalatnama (power of attorney).
- Meanwhile, the ACB’s investigation and related legal proceedings continue.
Stay tuned for updates as legal teams regroup and proceedings resume.
