The Delhi High Court has imposed an interim stay on the adverse comments and criticism made against the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and its officers in the Delhi liquor policy irregularities case. The order came while hearing the CBI’s appeal against a trial court decision that discharged several accused.
The case relates to the 2021 liquor policy introduced during the Aam Aadmi Party government in Delhi, which was later withdrawn amid allegations of irregularities worth about Rs 100 crore. Former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia were arrested in the matter, spent time in Tihar Jail, and are currently out on bail.
The Rouse Avenue Court had earlier refused to take cognisance of the CBI’s chargesheet, citing lack of sufficient evidence, and discharged 23 people including Kejriwal, Sisodia and BRS leader K. Chandrashekar Rao’s daughter Kavitha. The trial court also made strong remarks, calling the CBI’s arguments unprovable and legally untenable, and suggested departmental action against the investigating officers.
Appearing for the CBI, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that the trial court’s ruling effectively overturned criminal law principles and that the discharge was granted without a proper trial. He said the matter was among the biggest corruption cases in recent times and that there was evidence of bribes linked to the alleged manipulation of the liquor policy.
While staying the trial court’s negative observations against the CBI, the High Court declined to stay the discharge order itself. It directed that notices be issued to all 23 discharged persons and posted the matter for further hearing on March 16.
