[Excise Policy Case] SC Judge Sanjay Kumar Recuses Himself From Hearing Businessman Boinpolly Plea

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Upon the matter being brought up for hearing, Justice Sanjiv Khanna announced that it would be assigned to another bench since Justice Kumar preferred not to preside over it.

[Excise Policy case] SC judge Sanjay Kumar Recuses himself from hearing Businessman Boinpolly Plea

New Delhi: Today (Jul 16th) : Supreme Court Justice Sanjay Kumar recused himself from hearing a plea challenging the arrest of Hyderabad-based businessman Abhishek Boinpally in a money laundering case linked to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam.

Upon the matter being brought up for hearing, Justice Sanjiv Khanna announced that it would be assigned to another bench since Justice Kumar preferred not to preside over it.

The bench directed that the case be listed before a different bench, excluding Justice Kumar, during the week starting August 5.

The interim bail granted to Boinpally due to his wife’s health conditions was extended until further notice. Initially released on March 20 after 18 months in custody, Boinpally’s bail has been periodically extended by the apex court.

In granting interim relief, the Supreme Court directed that Boinpally surrender his passport and remain within the National Capital Region (NCR), barring necessary visits to Hyderabad.

Boinpally contested his 2022 arrest under section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in a petition dismissed by the Delhi High Court on July 3, 2023. This section empowers ED officials to arrest individuals based on credible suspicion of committing offenses punishable under the law.

The excise policy for 2021-22, implemented by the Delhi government on November 17, 2021, was terminated in September 2022 amid corruption allegations. The CBI and ED allege irregularities in policy modifications and favoritism toward license holders.

The money laundering probe arose from a CBI FIR prompted by Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena’s recommendation to investigate policy implementation irregularities. Boinpally allegedly participated in covert meetings and conspired to launder money alongside co-accused Sameer Mahendru, a liquor businessman.