The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has clarified its stance on the Delhi excise policy case, stating that it has completed its investigation into the roles of all other accused individuals. The agency emphasized that it is now solely investigating Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s role in the case. CBI counsel Advocate DP Singh informed the Supreme Court about recent developments post-June 4, which led to Kejriwal’s arrest.
Singh further clarified that while Kejriwal’s role is under active investigation, the probe into the other accused parties is nearing completion. This clarification contrasts earlier statements made by the Solicitor General, which applied to all arrested individuals except Kejriwal.
Court Proceedings and Judicial Custody Extensions
In recent court proceedings, Special Judge Kaveri Baweja extended the judicial custody of Delhi’s former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, and other accused individuals until July 15, 2024. Despite this extension, the court granted Sisodia permission to manage documents related to constituency development using MLA funds. He was also allowed to handle bank checks for his family’s expenditures.
However, the court deferred a hearing on whether to acknowledge the third supplementary chargesheet filed by the CBI against BRS Leader K Kavitha. This postponement was due to pagination errors found in some pages of the chargesheet, with the matter now scheduled for reconsideration on July 8, 2024.
During these proceedings, counsels representing Manish Sisodia and K Kavitha alleged that the CBI had misrepresented facts in its statements. They pointed out discrepancies between earlier claims by the agency regarding the completion of investigations and the current status as per recent court orders. On March 22, a judicial order indicated that the investigation was indeed complete, contradicting the CBI’s assertions before the court.
Looking ahead, the Supreme Court noted submissions from Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, assuring that the investigation would conclude and a final complaint or chargesheet would be filed by July 3, 2024. Following this filing, the trial court would be free to proceed with the trial, adhering to timelines set by previous court orders dating back to October 30, 2023.
These developments underscore ongoing legal complexities surrounding the high-profile Delhi excise policy case, involving significant political figures and intricate procedural considerations.
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