Supreme Court Upholds Promotion and Quashes Charges Against IRS Officer Sameer Wankhede

The Supreme Court upheld the Delhi High Court and Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) rulings directing the government to promote IRS officer Sameer Wankhede to Joint Commissioner of Customs and Indirect Taxes, subject to eligibility and UPSC approval. The CAT also quashed disciplinary proceedings against him, citing mala fides and procedural irregularities. Wankhede, known for leading the 2021 Cordelia Cruise narcotics case, faces ongoing investigations, which the government cited in opposing his promotion, while he alleges retaliatory targeting.