Last Updated on October 10, 2023 by News Desk
In a recent Supreme Court session held on September 4, 2023, concerning the case involving Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister, Manish Sisodia, several crucial issues came to the forefront. Sisodia is currently challenging the charges filed against him by both the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) in connection with the alleged Delhi liquor policy scam. During the hearing, Justices Sanjiv Khanna and SVN Bhatti raised a pertinent question: why hasn’t the political party allegedly benefiting from the scam been named as an accused under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)?
The central issue in this case revolves around the apparent absence of the political party as an accused, despite allegations that it is the primary beneficiary of the scam. This issue brings into question the credibility of the ongoing investigation and the application of the PMLA.
Sisodia’s legal counsel, Senior Advocate Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi, countered these allegations by asserting that Sisodia, as a sitting MLA, poses no flight risk and is unlikely to tamper with witnesses. Singhvi argued that Sisodia meets all the necessary criteria for bail, emphasizing that others involved in the case have already been granted bail. Furthermore, Singhvi pointed to the health challenges faced by Sisodia’s wife as a compelling reason for granting bail.
Another significant concern raised during the hearing was the ED’s claim of a conspiracy involving Vijay Nair and the “South Group” to provide excessive profit margins to liquor wholesalers. Singhvi challenged this assertion, highlighting that the only accusation against Sisodia was that Nair acted as his agent. He pointed out that the ED had not provided sufficient evidence to meet the requirements of Section 3 of the PMLA, which pertains to money laundering offenses.
To sum up, the recent Supreme Court hearing has brought to light critical issues related to the inclusion of the political party as an accused, Manish Sisodia’s eligibility for bail, and the adequacy of evidence under the PMLA. These issues will play a pivotal role in the ongoing legal proceedings of this high-profile case, ensuring a thorough examination of the matter.
Written — Athi Venkatesh
