New Delhi: In a significant development in the scam involving the Delhi excise policy, the High Court has issued notices to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and 23 others, who were earlier acquitted by the Rouse Avenue Court in the CBI probe.
The court, however, dealt a blow to the CBI by refusing to stay their release orders, allowing them to remain free for now. The matter is slated for hearing on March 16.
The CBI had challenged the lower court’s acquittal, arguing that the case involved one of the capital’s biggest scams.
Appearing for the agency, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta described it as a “matter of shame for the country”, emphasising a “scientific investigation” that uncovered every facet of the alleged conspiracy. He claimed bribes worth around Rs 100 crore were exchanged for favours, with Rs 44.5 crore funnelled through hawala channels to fund a political party’s Goa election campaign. Mehta highlighted the role of Vijay Nair, a party’s communication in charge, and pointed to 164 witness statements that detailed how bribes were given and to whom.
Mehta also criticised the trial court’s swift 600-page judgement, delivered in just 12 days, stating, “Quick justice is an objective, but its outcome should not be wrong.” He stressed that conspiracies are rarely hatched openly and must be proven by connecting all parts.
Meanwhile, the High Court stayed the trial court’s directive for departmental action against the CBI officer involved in the probe. It also instructed the lower court to defer proceedings in the related ED case until the CBI’s revision petition is decided.
This ruling keeps the spotlight on the high-profile case, which has stirred political debates amid allegations of a vendetta.