Archive · 22 Jan 2026
CAT Quashes Wankhede's Disciplinary Proceedings in Aryan Khan Case
The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) in Mumbai has canceled the disciplinary action against IRS officer Sameer Wankhede.
Wankhede was being investigated for his role in the 2021 Cordelia Cruise drug case, which involved Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan's son, Aryan Khan.
The tribunal said the disciplinary action was unfair and seemed like revenge.
Wankhede had claimed that his name was being targeted after Aryan Khan's arrest.
The tribunal also noted that important evidence, like call transcripts, was ignored in the disciplinary process.
They said the case was being handled in a way that would lead to a predetermined outcome.
The tribunal hoped that the authorities would follow the rule of law in the future.
The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) quashed the disciplinary charge memorandum against IRS officer Sameer Wankhede.
The tribunal found the action was vitiated by mala fides, procedural impropriety, and abuse of power.
Wankhede was targeted after the arrest of Aryan Khan in the 2021 Cordelia Cruise drug case.
The tribunal noted that crucial evidence, including call transcripts, was omitted from the charge memorandum.
The tribunal held that the disciplinary proceedings would be a 'mere farcical show' with a predetermined outcome.
- Who
- IRS officer Sameer Wankhede and the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT)
- What
- CAT quashed disciplinary proceedings against Wankhede, citing mala fides and abuse of power
- When
- January 21, 2024
- Where
- Mumbai, India
- Why
- The tribunal found the proceedings were vitiated by procedural impropriety and aimed at retaliation
- Officer Involved
- Sameer Wankhede
- Case Involved
- Aryan Khan's Cordelia Cruise drug case
- Tribunal Decision
- Set aside disciplinary charge memorandum
- Date of Decision
- January 21, 2024
- Allegations Against Wankhede
- Mala fides, procedural impropriety, abuse of power
- Tribunal Bench
- Justice Ranjit More and Rajinder Kashyap
- Charge Memorandum Number
- 30/2025
- Date of Charge Memorandum
- August 18, 2025