The Supreme Court of India has decided to review Kavitha’s appeal against the Enforcement Directorate (ED) summons in the Delhi excise policy scandal. The case has been making headlines since 2017, when the Delhi government was accused of granting licenses to bars and restaurants in an arbitrary and discriminatory manner.
Kavitha, who was a senior official in the Delhi government’s excise department at the time, was one of the officials who was accused of being involved in the scandal. She was summoned by the ED in 2018 to appear before them for questioning, but she refused to do so, citing health reasons.
The ED then issued a non-bailable warrant against Kavitha, which was challenged by her in the Delhi High Court. The High Court rejected her plea, stating that she had to comply with the ED’s summons.
Kavitha then approached the Supreme Court, seeking relief from the ED’s summons. The Supreme Court has now agreed to hear her appeal and has issued notice to the ED.
The Delhi excise policy scandal came to light in 2017 when it was alleged that the Delhi government had granted licenses to bars and restaurants in an arbitrary and discriminatory manner. It was alleged that some bars and restaurants were given licenses without following the due process, while others were denied licenses without any valid reason.
The scandal led to the resignation of Kapil Mishra, who was then the Delhi Minister for Water and Tourism. Mishra alleged that he had witnessed corruption in the Delhi government and had informed Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal about it, but no action was taken.
The Delhi government has denied any wrongdoing and has claimed that all licenses were granted in a transparent manner. However, the ED has been investigating the case and has summoned several officials for questioning.
Kavitha’s appeal against the ED’s summons is significant as it could have far-reaching implications for the case. If the Supreme Court rules in her favor, it could set a precedent for other officials who have been summoned by the ED in connection with the scandal.
The case has also raised questions about the role of the ED in investigating cases of corruption. While the ED has been given wide powers to investigate cases of economic offenses, there have been concerns about its misuse and overreach.
The Supreme Court’s decision to review Kavitha’s appeal against the ED’s summons will be closely watched by legal experts and anti-corruption activists. It is hoped that the case will be resolved soon and justice will be served.
