Today, On 14th October, the Supreme Court issued a notice to the Election Commission and the Modi government regarding a petition that seeks to classify pre-poll freebies by political parties as bribery under the Representation of People Act, 1951. The petition argues such practices undermine fair elections and public finances.
The Calcutta High Court has directed the West Bengal government to respond to serious allegations in a PIL regarding corruption and abuse in state-run medical colleges, including exam tampering and sexual harassment. Petitioners demand a Special Investigation Team to probe the alleged “threat culture” and requested record preservation for evidence.
Revanth Reddy, arrested in 2015 for allegedly bribing an MLA during legislative council elections, faced Supreme Court scrutiny. The court advised against his interference in the prosecution while rejecting a trial transfer request. Concerns emerged regarding Reddy’s influence as Chief Minister, prompting potential appointment of an independent prosecutor for impartiality.
Ex-SC Judge Justice Madan B Lokur has expressed concern over the social media backlash faced by courts, following trolling aimed at a Delhi judge who granted bail to CM Arvind Kejriwal. He emphasized the potential for such online harassment to influence judicial decisions, highlighting broader challenges in maintaining judicial independence amidst digital scrutiny. [‘Judges Being Judged’]
![[BREAKING] Manish Sisodia Bail Plea, Denies Bail in Both CBI and ED Cases](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/image-40-4.png?resize=447%2C367&ssl=1)
Today (30th April): A Delhi court rejected the bail plea of Manish Sisodia, former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister and prominent Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader, in the Delhi excise policy case. Sisodia has been in custody since February 26, 2023, and is being investigated for alleged involvement in the manipulation of the excise policy. The trial has faced delays.
A Pune court has directed the Maharashtra Police’s Anti-Corruption Bureau to investigate allegations of bribery against Cognizant Technologies. The accusations claim that the IT company paid bribes to expedite official permissions for its projects in India. This case demonstrates the challenges of ethical corporate operations and the vigilance of judicial and regulatory bodies.
The Karnataka High Court dismissed the case against BJP MLA Shashikala Jolle related to alleged vote-buying during the 2023 assembly elections, emphasizing the complexity of addressing electoral misconduct. The court ruled that the evidence did not constitute bribery or electoral offenses, providing relief to Shashikala Jolle. This highlights the importance of transparency in democratic processes.
![[Delhi Excise case] Delhi Court takes Cognizance of ED chargesheet Filed against K Kavitha & Others](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/MicrosoftTeams-image-74.png?resize=447%2C367&ssl=1)
Today (5th April): The Rouse Avenue Court has allowed the CBI to interrogate BRS leader K Kavitha in Tihar Jail regarding the Delhi excise policy case. Kavitha was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate for alleged money laundering. The interrogation seeks information about recovered chats and a land deal related to bribery allegations. Kavitha is currently in judicial custody, with a verdict on her interim bail plea expected on April 8.
Today (4th April) A Delhi court ordered the Enforcement Directorate to provide a copy of the charge sheet to the accused in the DJB money laundering case involving Delhi Jal Board tenders. The accused include DJB’s former chief engineer and a contractor. The ED alleges bribe money was funneled to the ruling Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal faces previous money laundering charges and is presently in judicial custody.
A Delhi court has taken cognizance of a money laundering case related to the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) involving Arvind Kejriwal and other senior leaders of the AAP Government. The prosecution complaint filed by the ED alleges involvement in money laundering and concealing proceeds of crime. Accused individuals and companies have been summoned to court.