New Delhi: In a major development in the long-running coal block allocation case, a special court has acquitted former Member of Parliament Vijay Darda, his son Devendra Darda, and other accused, bringing an end to an 11-year legal battle.
The case, which had drawn significant attention, was based on a chargesheet filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Apart from the Dardas, the accused included businessman Manoj Kumar Jaiswal, AMR Iron and Steel Pvt. Ltd., and former Coal Secretary H.C. Gupta. Notably, this was the first chargesheet filed in connection with the controversial coal block allocation cases.
The CBI had alleged that the company secured the Bander coal block by submitting misleading information in its application to the coal ministry. It also claimed that the allocation process involved collusion with officials. Additionally, it was alleged that Vijay Darda had written letters to the Prime Minister’s Office to influence the allocation in favor of the company.
Gold Rate
Mar 25,2026 - Time 11.05Hrs
However, during the course of the trial, the court found no substantial evidence to support the allegations. It observed that all relevant information regarding the allocation process was already available with the concerned authorities, and witness testimonies failed to establish any act of cheating or wrongdoing.
The court also dismissed allegations of corruption amounting to ₹24.6 crore, stating there was no evidence to substantiate the claim. Furthermore, it noted that the letters sent to the Prime Minister did not indicate any undue pressure for coal block allocation.
Concluding that the prosecution failed to prove charges of fraud, criminal conspiracy, or misconduct, the court acquitted all the accused with full honor.
