The Rouse Avenue Court of Delhi has issued a directive to the Tihar Jail Superintendent to ensure Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Leader Sanjay Singh’s presence in Parliament on March 19, 2024, for the purpose of taking an oath as a Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha). Sanjay Singh is currently in judicial custody after being arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a money laundering case linked to the now-revoked Delhi excise policy.
In an order passed by Special Judge MK Nagpal on March 16, 2024, it was specified that during the visit to Parliament, Sanjay Singh will not be allowed to use any mobile phone or communicate with any other accused, suspect, or witness related to his case or the connected CBI case. Additionally, he is prohibited from addressing the press or holding any public meetings. However, he will be allowed to meet his counsel and family members during the visit.
This decision comes after the court had previously granted permission in February for Sanjay Singh’s oath-taking but was unable to administer the oath due to certain reasons.
The Enforcement Directorate has alleged that Sanjay Singh was involved in acquiring, concealing, and using proceeds of crime generated from the Delhi Liquor Scam during the policy period of 2021-22.
In a related development, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLC K Kavitha was also arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the same case. The concerned court has remanded her to custodial custody until March 23, 2024. Kavitha was arrested after a raid at her residence in Hyderabad and subsequent questioning by the ED team.
The ED and CBI have filed chargesheets in the case, citing irregularities and undue favours extended during the modification of the Excise Policy. The agencies allege that the policy changes led to significant losses to the exchequer, with illegal gains being diverted to accused officials through false entries and evasion tactics.
The investigation continues as the agencies delve deeper into the Delhi Liquor Scam and related irregularities in the Excise Department’s operations.
