Delhi Court Seeks DCP Report Over Delay In Prosecution Sanction For IAF Officer In Espionage Case

November 13, 2026

New Delhi: A Delhi court has asked a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) to oversee the grant of sanction for prosecuting Indian Air Force Wing Commander Manorath Singh Sabharwal, who has been arrested in an espionage case for allegedly leaking sensitive information to Pakistan intelligence agencies.

The Patiala House Court made the directions after the prosecution stated that they are awaiting the grant of sanction under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) under Section 217 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and sanction for prosecution under offences under Official Secrets Act.

“Ordering the DCP, Chief Judicial Magistrate Mridul Gupta said that the concerned DCP should oversee the grant of sanction and submit a signed report at the next hearing. He has also asked the officer to consider the time delayed in the matter.

Defence questions time taken to get sanction

After the defence counsel objected to the submissions made by the prosecution and highlighted the significant delay in granting sanction.

The defence counsel also questioned why sanction under Official Secrets Act is needed. After hearing arguments from the defence and prosecution, the court has asked for a report on how far the sanction has been granted.

The court also directed that production warrants be issued against the accused and also issued Show Cause Notice to the Jail Superintendent for failing to produce the accused.

The matter has been listed for further hearing on December 5. The court has also asked to produce the accused via video conferencing once in every 14 days.

What the Police chargesheet says

Between January to April 2026, Sabharwal came into contact with a Pakistan Intelligence agent in an alleged honey trap operation, according to the police chargesheet.

He has been alleged to have leaked sensitive information on the deployment of fighter jets in Leh, details of military exercise being conducted at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Suratgarh, Rajasthan and information regarding a secret drone unit.

The chargesheet has alleged that the suspect Pakistan agent also gave orders to Sabharwal to install malware/spyware on the mobile phones of five officers under his charge. This could have led to sensitive data getting disclosed, investigators suspect.

These allegations are part of the espionage case and will have to be proven in the court of law.