Delhi HC Notices in Liquor Scam: Fresh Trouble for Kavitha?

In a significant development in the multi-crore Delhi Excise Policy scam case, the Delhi High Court on Monday issued notices to all 23 accused, including Telangana Jagruthi leader Kavitha, former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, and former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia. The move comes after a trial court had discharged all the accused on February 27, 2025.

The High Court’s action follows an appeal filed by the CBI challenging the trial court’s discharge order. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the CBI, argued before the court that the trial court’s decision was “perverse and patently illegal,” and effectively amounted to an acquittal without trial.

Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, who is hearing the CBI’s plea, also directed the trial court to defer proceedings in the Enforcement Directorate’s money laundering case until the High Court hears the CBI’s revision petition. The High Court also stayed certain remarks made by the trial court against the CBI’s investigating officer in the excise policy case.

Earlier, the trial court had sharply criticised the CBI’s investigation, pointing to a lack of credible evidence and questioning the manner in which the agency presented its case. It concluded that there was no “overarching conspiracy or criminal intent” established against the accused.

However, the High Court’s decision to issue notices to all the accused has reopened the legal battle, indicating that the case is far from over.

The development could be a setback for Kavitha, who had been celebrating the trial court’s decision that discharged all the accused in the case. The verdict had reportedly boosted her confidence just days before the launch of her new political party.

Following her expulsion from the BRS by party founder and her father KCR, Kavitha announced plans to launch her own political outfit. She stated that she intends to enter active politics independently and position herself as a voice for Telangana’s rights.

However, the latest notices from the Delhi High Court may complicate those plans, as the legal uncertainty surrounding the case continues.