If AAP Received Proceeds Of Crime, Why Haven't They Been Made Accused: SC Asks CBI And ED In Delhi Excise Policy Case

The Supreme Court has questioned the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) about why they have not made the political party that allegedly received the proceeds of the crime an accused in the Delhi excise policy case.

The court raised this issue during the hearing of former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia's bail plea, emphasizing that the political party should be held accountable as the beneficiary of the crime.

As reported by NDTV, Justice Sanjeev Khanna, presiding over a two-judge bench, pointed out that the whole case revolves around the allegation that the money went to a political party.

However, the political party has not been named as an accused yet. The court questioned how this could be justified, stating that the party, not the individual, is the true beneficiary.

On 26 February, the AAP leader, Manish Sisodia, was arrested in relation to the excise policy case.

The court also asked the Additional Solicitor General (ASG) S V Raju, who represented the two agencies, about the absence of the political party as an accused.

During the proceedings, Senior Advocate A M Singhvi, representing Sisodia, argued that the agencies were relying on vague statements to link Sisodia with co-accused Vijay Nair.

Singhvi emphasized that there is no specific allegation or money trail to support these claims.

Singhvi expressed his concern that while every other accused in the case had been granted bail, Sisodia was still denied bail.

Singhvi emphasized that the liquor policy was a collective decision, highlighting that it effectively prevented cartelization and increased revenue.

He urged the judges to carefully analyze these statements, emphasizing that they should read between the lines. Singhvi said that not everything can be viewed in black and white, and therefore, a nuanced approach is necessary.