HC stays Adverse Remarks against CBI in Delhi Excise Policy Case

On Monday, the Delhi High Court stayed the adverse observations made by a trial court against the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and its investigating officer in the Delhi excise policy case, while issuing notice to the accused persons on the agency’s revision petition challenging their discharge. The order temporarily shields the investigating agency from the trial court’s critical remarks and pauses related proceedings until the High Court examines the challenge.

The controversy arose after a special court on February 27 discharged 23 accused, including Aam Aadmi Party leaders Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, in connection with alleged irregularities in the Delhi Excise Policy 2021–22. The trial court had held that the prosecution’s allegations of conspiracy were based largely on conjecture and had also criticised the investigative process adopted by the CBI. The case stems from a 2022 FIR registered by the CBI following a complaint by Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena alleging that the policy was manipulated to favour certain liquor traders and generate kickbacks. The Enforcement Directorate subsequently initiated a parallel probe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma granted interim relief by suspending the trial court’s remarks against the agency and its officer. The Court also directed that proceedings in the connected money laundering case be deferred until the High Court examines the revision petition.

Justice Sharna indicated the limited scope of the interim order, stating, “I will pass an order of stay with regard to whatever remarks and statements are made against the investigating agency and officer.” The Court issued notice to the accused and sought their responses to the challenge filed by the CBI.

Disclaimer: This news/ article includes information received via a syndicated news feed. The original rights remain with the respective publisher.