In a recent development in the Delhi excise policy case, the Supreme Court has sharply criticized the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED). On Tuesday, the court raised serious concerns about the fairness of their investigations, especially after granting bail to K Kavitha, a leader from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS). Kavitha had been in jail since mid-March.
The Supreme Court expressed disappointment over the state of the case, noting that it was unfortunate to see such issues arising. The court questioned the impartiality of the investigation, particularly focusing on the treatment of a witness. It criticized the prosecution for allegedly picking and choosing individuals in a way that might not reflect a fair process. The court highlighted its concern that a person who had incriminated himself was being used as a witness in the case.
The court’s remarks were pointed. It questioned whether the prosecution could simply select anyone they wanted as an accused or a witness. This raised concerns about the discretion used by the investigating agencies. The court’s comments suggested that such practices undermine the fairness and transparency of the legal process.
During the hearing, additional solicitor general SV Raju, representing the CBI and ED, referred to witnesses who had implicated Kavitha in the alleged scam. In response, the court warned that it might have to comment further on the fairness of the investigation if these issues continued. The court urged the agencies to address these concerns more seriously.
Earlier, Kavitha’s lawyer, Mukul Rohatgi, argued for her bail by pointing out that the investigation against her was complete and the charge sheet had been filed. He also contested claims by the agencies that Kavitha had tampered with evidence by destroying her mobile phone. Rohatgi described these allegations as baseless, explaining that Kavitha had merely upgraded her phone and given her old ones to her staff.
Kavitha was initially arrested on March 15, and after months in custody, she was granted bail late last night.
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