Delhi's Alleged Excise Policy Scam: Sisodia's Extended Custody, Court Seeks Compliance

In a development concerning the Delhi excise policy scam, the Rouse Avenue court prolonged the judicial custody of former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia till December 11. During the recent court session, it was noted that the Enforcement Directorate has yet to submit several crucial documents regarding the accused.

Image Source -www.thehindu.com

Sisodia, who was arrested in February 2023 over alleged irregularities in Delhi's excise policy, remains in judicial custody. The court urged swift compliance with Section 207 of the CrPC by the lawyers to expedite the trial process for the case's commencement.

The court also scheduled a hearing on November 24 for the interim bail plea of Benoy Babu, an individual previously arrested by the ED in November of the preceding year. Babu, a former general manager at a liquor company, faces legal proceedings related to the excise policy case.

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The excise policy, under scrutiny for granting licenses to liquor traders in 2021-22, faced allegations of favoritism and fostering cartelization. The AAP vehemently denied these accusations, asserting that the policy's annulment followed the Delhi lieutenant governor's recommendation for a CBI investigation into alleged implementation irregularities. Consequently, the ED initiated a probe under the PMLA.

The February arrest of Sisodia by the CBI was linked to his purported central role in the formulation and execution of the contentious excise policy, a claim refuted by his party. The court's insistence on timely compliance underscores the urgency to initiate trial proceedings in this high-profile case.

This development highlights ongoing legal actions surrounding the alleged manipulation of Delhi's excise policy, signaling the persistence of legal scrutiny and a push for comprehensive compliance to expedite the trial process.