Pune, 6th April 2026: The Bombay High Court has quashed the 2019 decision of the Pune Municipal Corporation commissioner that had denied permission for an open inquiry into alleged disproportionate assets worth ₹2,000 crore linked to former city engineer Prashant Waghmare.
The court held that the competent authority had exceeded its powers by examining the merits of the case at a preliminary stage. It stated that such an approach effectively blocked the investigation sought by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), which is not permissible under law.
A bench of Justices Ranjitsingh Raja Bhonsale and A. S. Gadkari clarified that protection under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act cannot be used to stop an inquiry into disproportionate assets.
The court also stressed that administrative authorities cannot conduct a 'mini-trial' while deciding whether to grant approval for such probes.
Making strong observations, the court said corruption by public servants damages society, weakens governance, and harms the national economy and public interest, especially when individuals in high positions misuse their power.
The court further explained that the role of the competent authority is limited to checking whether there is a prima facie case. It cannot take over the functions of an inquiry officer or decide on prosecution at this stage.
The petition was filed by complainant Tanaji Balasaheb Gambhire, who challenged the PMC commissioner’s orders from April 2019. He had sought an open inquiry and registration of an FIR based on allegations that Waghmare accumulated massive assets disproportionate to his known income, allegedly routing funds through family members, associates, and linked companies.
Earlier, an ACB officer had requested permission to begin an open inquiry, citing serious allegations and lack of cooperation. The request was rejected by then PMC commissioner Saurabh Rao, leading to the closure of the confidential inquiry in June 2019. Efforts to obtain related information through RTI were also denied.
Rejecting the PMC’s stand, the court ruled that the earlier orders were without legal basis and cannot stand. It has now directed the ACB to proceed with the inquiry in accordance with the law.
