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.
On Wednesday (13th March): Manish Sisodia’s curative petition for bail was rejected by the Supreme Court on March 13, 2024. The petition stemmed from his alleged involvement in the Delhi Excise Policy Scam. An investigation report highlighted financial irregularities, resulting in a First Information Report (FIR) filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Sisodia has been in custody since February 26, 2023.
Former BSP MLA Mukhtar Ansari has been convicted in a 34-year-old case for forging signatures to obtain an arms license. The special MP/MLA court found him guilty under several sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Arms Act. The sentencing is scheduled for Wednesday, and he faces the potential for life imprisonment.
On 11th March,The Calcutta High Court rebuked the ED and CBI for their lack of decisive action against those involved in the ‘School Jobs for Cash Scam,’ emphasizing the need for rigorous investigation and use of relevant legal provisions. The court urged prompt trials and encouraged potential approvers, setting a deadline for progress in the investigations.
Prime Minister Modi criticized the Supreme Court, suggesting that even a revered figure like Lord Krishna could be accused of corruption in today’s world. This comes after the Supreme Court invalidated the electoral bonds scheme, citing violations of citizens’ right to information and potential quid pro quo arrangements. The Court mandated immediate disclosure of donation details and cessation of electoral bond issuance.
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah has taken his case to the Supreme Court after the High Court rejected his plea to dismiss a 2022 case related to a protest march. The march aimed to demand a minister’s resignation and resulted in an FIR against Congress leaders. Siddaramaiah contends that the protest was peaceful and did not constitute an unlawful assembly.
The Supreme Court of India has allowed the Madras High Court to conduct Suo moto hearings on corruption allegations against DMK ministers. This decision aims to scrutinize the conduct of investigating and prosecuting agencies and underscores the judiciary’s commitment to impartiality. The ruling emphasizes the judiciary’s role in upholding justice and maintaining checks and balances in a democratic society.