Delhi Court Criticizes CBI's Use of 'South Group' in Liquor Policy Case
A Delhi court has criticized the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for repeatedly using the term "South Group" in its chargesheet related to the alleged liquor policy scam. Special Judge Jitendra Singh of Rouse Avenue Courts stated that the use of a geographically defined label was arbitrary and unwarranted. The court made these observations while discharging all 23 accused persons, including political leaders Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and K Kavitha.
Background of the Case
The case pertains to the Delhi Excise Policy of 2021-22, which was formulated to overhaul liquor businesses and regulations in Delhi. The policy aimed to bring private firms into the retail liquor sector. However, it soon faced controversy, with accusations that the government colluded with liquor mafias for financial gain. The CBI alleged that a liquor cartel called the 'South Group' had paid significant sums to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders to ensure a favorable excise policy.
Court's Objections to the Term 'South Group'
The court said that the term "South Group" had no legal basis and did not correspond to any legally recognized classification. The court also pointed out that no similar regional descriptor was used for other accused persons. The court cautioned the CBI to exercise greater care and restraint in its choice of language, ensuring that descriptions of accused persons remain neutral and evidence-based.
The court noted that using region-based labels could create prejudice and divert focus from the evidence. It emphasized that criminal proceedings should remain dispassionate and insulated from extraneous considerations. The court drew a parallel to a case in the United States where the use of the term “Dominican” for alleged drug dealers was deemed inappropriate.
Court's Findings and Observations
The Rouse Avenue Court stated that the CBI's narrative was speculative and driven by preconceived assumptions rather than evidence. The court also noted the CBI's theory was "demonstrably erroneous, economically illiterate and legally unsustainable".
The court discharged all 23 accused, stating that the prosecution failed to prove its case and that the CBI's allegations lacked substance. The court also added that it found no evidence against Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia.
Conclusion
The Delhi court criticized the CBI for using the term "South Group" in the liquor policy case, deeming it arbitrary and prejudicial. The court discharged all accused, citing a lack of evidence and ভিত্তিহীন allegations.