Law & Justice
CBI Court Discharges Former Drugs Controller in 2022 Biocon Bribery Case
A special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court at Rouse Avenue on Saturday discharged Dr. S. Eswara Reddy, former joint drugs controller at the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), and three others in a 2022 bribery case linked to Bengaluru‑based Biocon Biologics Ltd. Mint had earlier reported Reddy’s arrest by the CBI over allegations that he demanded and accepted bribes to clear regulatory approvals. Reddy had been shortlisted for the country’s top Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) post in 2022.
In a 60‑page order, the court said the allegations failed to raise even a mere suspicion, let alone grave suspicion, and that the CBI could not establish a prima facie case warranting a trial. The accused were discharged under Section 250 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (Section 227 of the Criminal Procedure Code). The court noted that the prosecution provided no direct or circumstantial evidence of a bribe demand – the mandatory prerequisite under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act. Observing that both demanding and accepting a bribe are absolute prerequisites to establish the offence, the judge said the agency failed to show “when, where and how” Reddy allegedly sought ₹9 lakh.
Evaluating the overall circumstances, the court concluded that no prima facie charge was made out against Dr. Reddy and he was entitled to be discharged. Reddy said, “I have always maintained complete faith in the judicial process, and this discharge order brings substantial relief.”
The court also found no evidence of criminal conspiracy under Section 120B of the Indian Penal Code. It dismissed allegations that Reddy improperly expedited Biocon’s waiver of phase‑III clinical trials for ‘Insulin Aspart’ injection, noting that the proposal reached the subject expert committee through standard official emails without Reddy’s intervention. The court found insufficient material to establish criminal conspiracy or to show that Dr. Reddy had improperly or dishonestly performed his official duties in return for an undue advantage.
Queries emailed to the spokesperson of the union ministry of health and family welfare, Biocon, CDSCO and the CBI on Saturday evening remained unanswered at the time of publishing.