Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K Kavitha was released from Tihar Jail on Tuesday after the Supreme Court granted her bail. This follows an ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in the ‘excise policy case’ by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
The Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan, ordered Kavitha’s immediate release earlier today. The court imposed several conditions on her, including a directive not to tamper with evidence or influence witnesses. Kavitha was also required to post a bail bond of Rs 10 lakh for both the CBI and ED cases, as well as surrender her passport.
The court acknowledged that Kavitha had already spent five months in custody and noted the complexity of the trial, which involves 493 witnesses and numerous documents. The case relies heavily on statements from co-accused individuals who have turned approvers.
During the hearing, Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Kavitha, argued for her bail based on parity with co-accused Manish Sisodia, who has already been granted bail. Rohatgi also emphasized that Kavitha, as a woman and a sitting Member of the Legislative Council (MLC), poses no flight risk. Justice BR Gavai, in a lighter moment, remarked that as an MLC, Kavitha would be well aware of her responsibilities.
Rohatgi further dismissed the allegations against Kavitha, including claims that she had destroyed evidence by changing phones, arguing that people frequently change phones just as they do cars. He pointed out that Kavitha is the daughter of a former Chief Minister. Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, representing the prosecution, expressed concern that Kavitha had formatted her phone, but Rohatgi countered by saying she had given it to her servant. The exchange even led Justice Viswanathan to remark that deleting messages is a common practice.
The case against Kavitha stems from allegations that irregularities were committed in the modification of the excise policy, including the waiving or reduction of license fees and the extension of the L-1 license without proper approval. The CBI inquiry was recommended following a report from the Delhi Chief Secretary, which indicated potential violations of various acts and rules.
The Delhi High Court had previously dismissed Kavitha’s bail petitions on July 1. Recently, the Enforcement Directorate filed a supplementary chargesheet in the Rouse Avenue Court, naming Kavitha and other accused individuals. Kavitha was arrested by the ED on March 15, 2024, and subsequently by the CBI on April 11, 2024.
(ANI)
