The Supreme Court has granted bail to retired IAS officer Anil Tuteja in connection with the alleged ₹50 crore District Mineral Foundation (DMF) scam in Chhattisgarh. However, the court imposed a significant condition: Tuteja must remain outside the state of Chhattisgarh and must not attempt to influence any witnesses.
The relief comes as a major development for the former 2003-batch Chhattisgarh cadre officer, who has been in custody since February in the corruption case involving alleged misuse of public funds earmarked for development in mining-affected areas.
Supreme Court Notes Trial Will Take Time
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi granted bail after observing that several co-accused had already been released and that the trial is likely to take considerable time.
The court noted that around 85 prosecution witnesses are expected to be examined.
In its order, the bench stated:
“Taking into consideration the period spent in custody and the fact that the conclusion of trial is likely to take time, we deem it appropriate to grant bail to the petitioner.”
The court further directed that Tuteja shall remain outside Chhattisgarh and shall not make any attempt to influence witnesses.
What Is the ₹50 Crore DMF Scam?
The case relates to alleged irregularities in the utilization of funds under the District Mineral Foundation (DMF), a statutory mechanism created to support development in mining-affected regions.
Investigators allege that Anil Tuteja misused his position in the state’s Industry Department to manipulate the allocation of works financed through DMF funds, particularly in Korba district.
The probe was initiated by the Economic Offences Wing and Anti-Corruption Bureau after receiving information from the Enforcement Directorate in 2024.
Arrest and Multiple Financial Irregularity Cases
Tuteja was arrested on February 23, 2024, in connection with alleged financial irregularities linked to:
- The District Mineral Foundation scam
- The liquor scam
- Rice milling-related irregularities
He has remained entangled in several high-profile corruption investigations concerning alleged misuse of public money.
Chhattisgarh High Court Had Earlier Denied Bail
In April, the Chhattisgarh High Court denied bail to Tuteja.
Justice Narendra Kumar Vyas cited the seriousness of the allegations, Tuteja’s senior administrative position, and the possibility that he could influence witnesses.
The case was registered under the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
Arguments Before the Supreme Court
Senior Advocate Shoeb Alam, appearing for Tuteja, argued that his client was not a flight risk and was entitled to personal liberty.
Representing the state, Additional Advocate General Ravi Sharma opposed bail, alleging that Tuteja had a history of attempting to tamper with evidence.
The prosecution also referred to alleged chats involving a former law officer, claiming that Tuteja sought assistance in securing bail for himself and a co-accused.
Earlier Supreme Court Observations
In March, the Supreme Court declined Tuteja’s plea seeking blanket protection against the registration of new cases.
At that time, the bench remarked that the matter involved serious allegations concerning public money.
The court observed:
“You are a bureaucrat who has enjoyed power for so many years. Here the issue concerns public money going into private hands.”
The bench advised Tuteja to seek anticipatory bail from the Chhattisgarh High Court whenever he apprehended arrest in other cases.
Liberty Granted, But Investigation Continues
With the Supreme Court now granting bail, Tuteja will be released subject to the court’s conditions. However, the investigations into the DMF scam and other financial irregularities will continue.
The case remains one of the most significant corruption probes involving a former senior bureaucrat in Chhattisgarh, with implications for accountability in the use of public funds intended for mining-affected communities.
Read also: Supreme Court Declines Blanket Bail Plea of Former IAS Officer Anil Tuteja in Multiple Scam Cases
