DelhiExcisePolicy – High Court Steps In as Political Row Intensifies
DelhiExcisePolicy – A fresh political dispute unfolded in the national capital on Monday after Delhi minister Ashish Sood strongly criticised the Aam Aadmi Party over its claims regarding the Delhi Excise Policy case. The remarks came shortly after the Delhi High Court intervened in the matter, putting a temporary hold on certain observations made earlier by a trial court.
Minister Targets AAP Over Claims on Court Proceedings
Speaking at a press briefing in New Delhi, Ashish Sood accused the Aam Aadmi Party of misleading the public about the legal proceedings. According to him, the High Court’s latest order contradicts the party’s earlier assertion that the lower court had effectively discredited the investigation carried out by the Central Bureau of Investigation.
Sood stated that the High Court’s decision to pause the lower court’s remarks against CBI officials indicates that the investigation cannot be dismissed outright. He alleged that the AAP leadership had prematurely celebrated the earlier trial court ruling and attempted to portray it as proof that the corruption allegations were baseless.
During his remarks, the minister also referred to evidence cited during the investigation. He claimed that several mobile phones linked to the case had been destroyed and alleged that former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia had disposed of multiple SIM cards. Sood further pointed to an audit report by the Comptroller and Auditor General that estimated financial losses exceeding ₹2,000 crore related to the policy.
Delhi High Court Stays Trial Court Observations
Earlier in the day, the Delhi High Court ordered a temporary suspension of certain adverse comments made against the CBI and its investigating officer in the trial court’s order. That earlier ruling had cleared all 23 individuals accused in connection with the Delhi Excise Policy case.
Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma passed the directions while considering an appeal filed by the CBI challenging the discharge order. The High Court also issued notices to the respondents after noting that none of them were represented during the hearing.
The stay specifically applies to remarks made about the conduct of CBI officials during the investigation. The court indicated that these comments should not remain in effect while the appeal is under review.
Proceedings in Related Money Laundering Case Deferred
In addition to addressing the CBI appeal, the High Court also instructed the trial court to pause proceedings in a related money laundering case linked to the excise policy matter. The case falls under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and is being pursued by the Enforcement Directorate.
The High Court directed that hearings in this connected case should not move forward until it has had the opportunity to examine the appeal filed by the CBI. This step is intended to ensure that related legal proceedings remain consistent while the central issues are reviewed.
Background of the Discharge Order
The controversy stems from a February 27 order delivered by Special Judge Jitender Singh at the Rouse Avenue Court. In that decision, the court discharged all 23 accused named in the case registered by the CBI in connection with the Delhi Excise Policy for 2021–22.
The trial court had concluded that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case. It also observed that the allegations of a criminal conspiracy did not hold up under judicial examination based on the evidence presented.
Following that ruling, the CBI approached the Delhi High Court seeking a review of the decision. The agency has argued that the trial court’s conclusions require further scrutiny and that the discharge order should be reconsidered.
Next Hearing Scheduled
The Delhi High Court has scheduled the next hearing in the matter for March 16. During that session, the court is expected to continue examining the CBI’s appeal and hear responses from the parties involved.
As the legal process moves forward, the case remains a significant political and legal issue in Delhi, drawing attention from both government leaders and opposition figures.