Enforcement Directorate investigation into former DIG Bhullar case

The Coal Block Allocation cases, originating from the Supreme Court's 2014 judgment in Manohar Lal Sharma v. Principal Secretary (W.P.(Crl.) 120/2012), concern alleged irregularities in the allocation of coal blocks between 1993 and 2011 under the 'Government Dispensation' route, which the Supreme Court declared arbitrary and illegal. CBI has prosecuted numerous accused — including former Ministry of Coal officials and private companies — before Special Courts in Delhi — the Directorate of Enforcement has simultaneously pursued PMLA cases. As of 2025–2026, trials remain ongoing before Special Courts in Delhi (Rouse Avenue Courts), the Supreme Court continues to supervise and reconstitute benches for batch SLP hearings, the Delhi High Court has ruled on key PMLA questions, and individual sub-cases have seen both acquittals and discharges. All accused persons are presumed innocent unless a court has delivered a final conviction.

The CBI registered an FIR in March 2013 alleging criminal conspiracy, cheating, and corruption offences in the procurement of 12 VVIP helicopters from AgustaWestland. Christian Michel James, a British national, is accused of acting as a middleman and facilitating illicit commissions worth €42.27 million. The case is currently in trial stage with ongoing bail and detention proceedings; chargesheet filed by both CBI and ED.

Prakash Industries Limited (PIL) is accused of obtaining Chotia and Fatehpur coal block allocations through fraud and misrepresentation in applications. The case involves allegations of submitting false documents to the Board for Industrial and Financial Reconstruction, generating proceeds of crime through coal extraction and sale, and money laundering via share price manipulation and property acquisition. The Supreme Court cancelled the allocations in 2014. PIL remains accused (not convicted) across CBI/corruption cases and ED/PMLA enforcement proceedings, with ongoing trials and appellate litigation in the Delhi High Court and Supreme Court.