Delhi Excise Policy Scam: Considering making AAP an accused in case, probe agencies tell SC
Delhi Excise Policy Scam: Additional Solicitor General (ASG) SV Raju, representing probe agencies, told the Supreme Court that they are considering making the Aam Aadmi Party accused in the alleged liquor policy irregularities cases.
ASG Raju's responses came as the Enforcement Directorate and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) were opposing AAP leader Manish Sisodia's bail request in the case.
ASG Raju informed the bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and SVN Bhatti, who are hearing Manish Sisodia's bail application.
He stated that he has received instructions that the agencies are considering charging AAP and may invoke legal provisions as well as Section 70 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The Supreme Court has asked the CBI and the ED whether these are separate offences for the CBI and the ED, and has directed the lawyer to provide further updates on Tuesday before scheduling a hearing.
During the hearing, the judge stated that the argument on the subject of charge framing had not yet begun. The court stated that Sisodia cannot be imprisoned for an infinite period, and a chargesheet in the case has been filed.
Former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia has sought bail in CBI and ED proceedings involving alleged irregularities in the Delhi Excise Policy. He has challenged the Delhi High Court's order rejecting his bail application.
In both cases, the Delhi High Court denied him bail. The Delhi High Court stated in its ruling issued on July 3, 2023, in the ED case, that the possibility of influencing witnesses cannot be ruled out due to the accused's high political position and his position in the party in power in Delhi.
The CBI arrested Sisodia in February 2023 for suspected irregularities in the drafting and implementing of Delhi's now-scrapped new excise policy.
- ANI
