![[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.
The Indian government approved printing Rs 10,000 crore worth of electoral bonds just before the Supreme Court scrapped the scheme as unconstitutional. The approval and subsequent printing, handled by the Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India, sparked discussions on the transparency of political financing. Following the ruling, the Finance Ministry directed the State Bank of India to cease printing remaining electoral bonds. The scheme’s anonymity has divided opinions on political donation transparency in India.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was remanded in six-day custody by a local court following his arrest in connection with a money laundering case related to the Delhi Excise Policy scam. The Enforcement Directorate alleged his involvement as a key conspirator and beneficiary in the alleged liquor scam case, presenting him before the court today at 2 PM.
The Lokpal yesterday issued a directive instructing the CBI to investigate TMC Leader Mahua Moitra based on serious allegations supported by compelling evidence. The order emphasized the need to eradicate corruption and hold public representatives accountable. The investigation is to include allegations of sharing login credentials, misuse of power, and demands for gifts and favors.
Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay formally resigned from the Calcutta High Court on March 5, 2024, and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party. His disillusionment with the TMC-led administration in West Bengal led to his decision. This rare transition from a high court judge to a political figure was confirmed by the Union Law Ministry.
Today (18th March): The CBI is opposing AAP leader Manish Sisodia’s bail plea. The investigation into the Delhi excise policy implicates Sisodia as the mastermind behind an alleged conspiracy. The Supreme Court has also rejected his bail plea, citing a potential money trail of Rs 338 crore in corruption and money laundering cases.
Today, the Supreme Court refused bail to Christian Michel James, a key figure in the AgustaWestland Group scam case involving the purchase of VVIP helicopters. Alleged middleman James, who has been in jail for five years, argued for bail under the doctrine of speciality. The court refused to entertain his plea, emphasizing the seriousness of the accusations.
Today (18th March): A Delhi court has ordered Tihar authorities to escort Sanjay Singh to his Rajya Sabha oath-taking ceremony on March 19, despite ongoing legal proceedings. The court emphasized security measures and restricted his communication and public appearances. Singh is in judicial custody facing allegations related to the Delhi Liquor Scam. The ED and the CBI have alleged irregularities leading to substantial financial losses. A similar case involving K Kavitha is also being investigated.
On 16th March (Saturday): The Bombay High Court denied anticipatory bail to P. Kumar, a senior PESO official implicated in a license scam. Investigations uncovered his involvement in expediting an application in exchange for bribes. The CBI’s FIR lists other PESO officials and a private individual as accused parties. Kumar’s plea rejection stemmed from prima facie evidence of corruption.