Delhi High Court Seeks Response from Kejriwal and Sisodia in Liquor Policy Discharge Case
In a significant development, the Delhi High Court has formally requested the positions of former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, along with others who were recently discharged in a high-profile liquor policy case. This move comes after the court raised concerns about the special court's observations, which it stated prima facie "appear erroneous" regarding witnesses and approvers involved in the matter.
BJP Launches Scathing Attack on AAP Over Corruption Allegations
Reacting swiftly to the court's action, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) functionaries launched a sharp critique against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday. Minister Ashish Sood highlighted the irony during a press conference, noting, "AAP initiated its political journey with a strong anti-corruption stance, but its claim of being 'kattar imaandar' (staunchly honest) is now being exposed. If the liquor policy was indeed correct, why were a large number of mobile phones and SIM cards destroyed?" This statement underscores the BJP's persistent allegations of misconduct in the case.
Background: Trial Court's Discharge Order and Judicial Scrutiny
On February 27, the trial court discharged Kejriwal, Sisodia, and 21 other individuals, delivering a strong rebuke to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The court asserted that the CBI's case was "wholly unable to survive judicial scrutiny and stood discredited in its entirety." This decision has sparked a legal and political debate, with BJP functionary Sachdeva drawing parallels to past cases, remarking, "Earlier too, several scam-accused leaders such as Lalu Prasad Yadav, A Raja, and Kanimozhi were discharged by lower courts and they celebrated briefly, but many received major punishments later."
AAP's Response: Order Remains Intact and Strategy in Progress
In response, AAP functionary and Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Singh affirmed that the discharge order from the Rouse Avenue Court remains "intact." He elaborated, "It is a big setback for CBI that the high court did not place any stay on the decision of the lower court. Therefore, the order of the Rouse Avenue CBI court remains intact. We will take the complete details of the hearing in the high court from the lawyers and prepare the next strategy accordingly." This indicates AAP's confidence in the legal process and their readiness to navigate further proceedings.
Implications and Ongoing Legal Battle
The case continues to unfold, with the Delhi High Court's request for stands marking a critical juncture. The political ramifications are evident as both parties leverage the developments to bolster their narratives. The focus remains on the judicial scrutiny of evidence and the broader implications for governance and accountability in Delhi's political landscape.
