IRS officer Sameer Wankhede
THE Chief Justice’s bench of the Bombay High Court has directed that the petition filed by Social Activist Rashid Khan Pathan against actor Shah Rukh Khan be tagged with the petition filed by IRS officer Sameer Wankhede.
When the matter came up for hearing on Monday, February 23, 2026, Advocate Nilesh Ojha, appearing for the petitioner Rashid Khan Pathan, submitted that the primary relief sought in the petition is the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT), on the grounds that the investigation conducted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has not been satisfactory.
He further argued that Sameer Wankhede has been arraigned as an accused for allegedly accepting a bribe from Shah Rukh Khan; however, Shah Rukh Khan has not been named as an accused for allegedly giving the bribe. It was also submitted that Shah Rukh Khan has officially denied paying any bribe. In such circumstances, the counsel contended, either the bribery allegation is untenable—warranting the discharge of Sameer Wankhede—or, if the allegation is accepted, the alleged bribe-giver must also be prosecuted. This apparent inconsistency, he argued, necessitates an independent investigation by an SIT.
The Court, however, observed that the grievance raised may be premature, as both prayers could be considered at the time of filing of the investigation report, and the issues may be examined after the agency submits its findings.
Accordingly, the Court ordered that the petition be tagged with the petition filed by IRS officer Sameer Wankhede so that both matters can be heard together.