Supreme Court asks CBI to furnish classified documents to former R&AW officer in Official Secrets Act case
The Supreme Court has ordered the CBI to provide typed copies of sensitive documents to a retired Army officer charged under the Official Secrets Act. The court emphasized the importance of the accused having access to materials that are crucial for his defense. The CBI had previously opposed this request due to the sensitive nature of the documents, but the court ruled in favor of the accused's rights.
- ▪The Supreme Court directed the CBI to furnish typed copies of sensitive documents to a retired Army officer facing trial under the Official Secrets Act.
- ▪The court stated that confidentiality claims cannot deny the accused access to documents essential for his defense.
- ▪The CBI had alleged that the officer disclosed classified information in a book published in 2007.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
The Supreme Court on Monday (May 18, 2026) directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to furnish “typed copies” of certain “sensitive” documents to a retired Army officer facing trial under the Official Secrets Act, 1923, for allegedly exposing irregularities within the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) in a book published in 2007.A Bench of Justices J.K. Maheshwari and Atul S. Chandurkar observed that claims of confidentiality could not be invoked to deny the accused access to documents forming the basis of the prosecution, particularly when such material was integral to his defence.“When the demand for the documents was made by the accused himself, which is being used against him in a court proceeding, such documents ought to be supplied...we direct that the documents as…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Hindu — Top.
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