Supreme Court Grants Bail to Former Chhattisgarh IAS Officer Anil Tuteja in ₹50 Crore DMF Scam Case
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, while imposing strict conditions including a direction that he must remain outside the state and refrain from influencing witnesses connected to the investigation.
The order marks a significant development in one of Chhattisgarh’s most closely watched corruption cases involving allegations of misuse of public funds intended for development in mining-affected regions.
Tuteja, a retired 2003-batch Chhattisgarh cadre IAS officer, has been in custody since February 2024 following his arrest in multiple financial irregularity cases investigated by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW), Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and other agencies.
A Supreme Court bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi granted bail after observing that the trial in the matter is likely to take a considerable amount of time and that several co-accused in the case had already been released.
The bench noted that nearly 85 prosecution witnesses are expected to be examined during the course of the trial, indicating that proceedings may continue for an extended period.
In its order, the court stated that considering the duration of custody already undergone by the petitioner and the anticipated delay in conclusion of trial, it was appropriate to grant bail.
However, while allowing the plea, the apex court imposed significant restrictions on the former bureaucrat. The court directed that Tuteja must stay outside Chhattisgarh and must not attempt to contact, influence or intimidate witnesses connected with the case.
The alleged scam relates to irregularities in the utilization of funds under the District Mineral Foundation mechanism, which was created to support welfare and infrastructure development in mining-affected districts across India.
Investigating agencies have alleged that Tuteja misused his official position in the state’s Industry Department to manipulate allocation and execution of projects financed through DMF funds, particularly in Korba district of Chhattisgarh.
The probe into the matter reportedly began after information received from the Enforcement Directorate in 2024 led the EOW and ACB to initiate a detailed investigation into alleged financial misconduct.
Apart from the DMF case, Tuteja has also faced scrutiny in connection with alleged irregularities linked to the liquor policy case and rice milling-related financial matters. He was formally arrested on February 23, 2024.
Earlier in April, the Chhattisgarh High Court had rejected his bail application. Justice Narendra Kumar Vyas, while denying relief, had cited the seriousness of the allegations, Tuteja’s senior administrative background and the possibility of witness influence.
The case has been registered under various provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
During proceedings 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 after spending months in custody.
Opposing the plea, Additional Advocate General Ravi Sharma, representing the state government, alleged that Tuteja had previously attempted to tamper with evidence and influence proceedings.
The prosecution also referred to alleged chats involving a former law officer, claiming that efforts had been made to secure favourable legal intervention for Tuteja and another accused person.
Earlier in March, the Supreme Court had declined to provide blanket protection to Tuteja against possible future FIRs or arrests in related matters. At that time, the court had made sharp observations regarding the allegations surrounding misuse of public funds.
The bench had remarked that the matter involved serious concerns relating to public money allegedly being diverted into private hands and observed that Tuteja, as a senior bureaucrat who had enjoyed administrative power for years, carried significant responsibility in matters of public accountability.
The court had then advised him to approach the Chhattisgarh High Court for anticipatory bail in any future cases where he apprehended arrest.
With the latest order granting bail, Tuteja is expected to be released after complying with the conditions laid down by the Supreme Court. However, investigations into the DMF scam and related corruption allegations remain ongoing.
The case continues to be viewed as one of the most important corruption investigations involving a former senior civil servant in Chhattisgarh, particularly because it concerns alleged misuse of funds meant for welfare and development in vulnerable mining-affected communities.
