Contemplating Making AAP An Accused In Delhi Excise Policy Scam Cases: CBI, ED Tell SC

The investigative agencies have consistently suggested that the AAP may have benefitted from the kickbacks received by stakeholders who obtained liquor licenses as part of a quid pro quo arrangement.

File Photo of Supreme Court

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The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) informed the Supreme Court on Monday that they are contemplating designating the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of Delhi as an accused in the ongoing Delhi excise policy cases. Additional Solicitor General S V Raju, who represented the two investigative agencies, conveyed the same to a bench comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and SVN Bhatti, news agency PTI reported.

He stated that he had received instructions indicating that the agencies are mulling over the possibility of making the AAP an accused, invoking legal provisions related to vicarious liability and section 70 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), as per PTI's report.

Addressing the court, Raju stated, "I want to make a statement I have received instructions to make. We are contemplating making the Aam Aadmi Party an accused and invoking offences of vicarious liability under the Prevention of Corruption Act and section 70 of the PMLA."

The bench has asked Raju to provide a clearer position on this matter during the proceedings scheduled for Tuesday. Specifically, they inquired whether separate charges would be filed against the AAP in cases being investigated by both the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate, the report mentioned.

This revelation came during the course of the bench's hearing on the bail pleas of AAP leader and former deputy chief minister of Delhi, Manish Sisodia, who had been arrested in connection with the excise policy cases currently under probe by the CBI and ED.

Senior AAP leader and Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Sanjay Singh has also been apprehended in connection with the same excise policy cases and remains in custody.

In addition, the bench asked senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, representing Manish Sisodia, to address legal questions regarding the CBI's claim that changes in the excise policy resulted in financial losses to the state exchequer, the report mentioned.

The investigative agencies have consistently suggested that the AAP may have benefitted from the kickbacks received by stakeholders who obtained liquor licenses as part of a quid pro quo arrangement. It is alleged that the AAP utilised the funds for campaigning during the Goa assembly elections.

The proceedings will resume on Tuesday. 

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