Supreme Court Grants Bail to Vijay Nair in Delhi Excise Policy Case
The Supreme Court granted bail to Vijay Nair, Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) communications-in-charge, who is an accused in the money laundering case related to the Delhi excise policy scam. The decision came after noting the prolonged delay in the trial process.
Delayed Trial Process
A bench of Justices Hrishikesh Roy and SVN Bhatti expressed concerns over the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) failure to complete the trial on time. Despite earlier assurances to the court, the trial has yet to begin, and around 350 witnesses still need to be examined.
The Court highlighted that when the case of Manish Sisodia was heard, the ED had promised to conclude the trial within 6 to 8 months. However, the trial has not commenced, and 40 individuals have been named as accused. The prosecution intends to examine a large number of witnesses, delaying the process further.
23 Months in Custody
The Court pointed out that Vijay Nair has been in custody for 23 months, stating that his prolonged incarceration without trial could not serve as a form of punishment. The bench emphasized that bail is the rule, and jail is the exception, making it unjust to keep Nair incarcerated without the trial even starting.
High Court’s Denial and Supreme Court’s Intervention
In July last year, the Delhi High Court denied bail to Nair, leading him to appeal to the Supreme Court through his advocate Binisa Mohanty. The Supreme Court’s decision to grant bail reflects the prolonged delays in the trial process and the need for judicial fairness.
Background of the Case
Vijay Nair is among several individuals accused in a money laundering case being investigated by the ED, which stems from the broader Delhi excise policy case also being probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Nair had previously been granted bail in the CBI case in November 2022.
Allegations and Investigations
The central agencies allege that officials in the Delhi government conspired to grant liquor licenses to specific traders in exchange for bribes. The excise policy was reportedly manipulated, and profit margins adjusted to benefit certain traders, with kickbacks being received as a result.
The allegations against Nair include his role as the recipient of a ₹100 crore kickback from the ‘South group’ liquor lobby. Several AAP leaders, including Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, were also arrested by the ED in connection with the case. Bharat Rashtra Samithi leader K Kavitha was similarly arrested.
While Sisodia and Kavitha have since been granted bail by the Supreme Court, Kejriwal remains in prison, awaiting a hearing on his bail plea.
Supreme Court Grants Bail to Vijay Nair in Delhi Excise Policy Case
