As the delta wave of COVID-19 wreaked havoc in the national capital, the Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government passed a new excise policy. The initiative was short-lived, lasting about a year, and was beset by allegations of bribery and fraud. As per the chargesheet of the Enforcement Directorate, the Delhi Excise Policy (2021-22) was created by the top leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party to continuously generate illegal money and create channels for themselves.
In July 2022, Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena recommended a CBI probe into alleged violations of rules and procedural lapses when it came to the implementation of the policy. Thereafter, the ED and the CBI had registered a case alleging irregularities while revising the excise policy.
The charges include giving undue advantage to license holders, exemption or reduction in license fee and extension of L-1 license without the approval of the competent authority. The probe agencies alleged that the beneficiaries gave “illegal” benefits to the accused officials and made false entries in their books of account to evade detection.
The AAP, however, insists that the new policy was formulated to eliminate the sale of spurious liquor or non-duty paid liquor in Delhi and ensure optimum revenue generation to improve the overall user experience.
Read also: CBI arrests Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia – what are the charges against him?
Following the case, raids were conducted at 21 places in Delhi and the National Capital Region, including Manish Sisodia’s residence and premises of four public servants. The Delhi Deputy CM’s probe began after a report sent by the Chief Secretary to the LG recommended a CBI probe.
The CBI inquiry was recommended on the findings of Delhi Chief Secretary’s report filed in July, which prima facie found violation of GNCTD Act 1991, Transaction of Business Rules (TOBR)-1993, Delhi Excise Act-2009 and Delhi Excise Rules -2010 Violation was shown.
According to a report by the Chief Secretary of Delhi, Sisodia took major decisions and actions which were “in violation of statutory provisions and the notified excise policy, which had huge financial implications”. After this report, a CBI inquiry was recommended.
(with inputs from agencies)
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