The case against Sisodia and other Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders including Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is being probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) as well as the ED.
Sisodia has filed several bail applications in the matter to no avail. Today’s hearing was on the third round of bail applications by Sisodia. The top court had sought the ED’s response in the matter on July 16.
Representing Sisodia today, Senior Advocate Dr. AM Singhvi told the Bench that he is seeking bail in both the CBI and ED cases.
The senior counsel pointed out that Sisodia has now remained behind bars for 17 months, while the ED is yet to unearth any “proceeds” of money laundering.
“Investigation to trace the proceeds of crime is still ongoing. If they have apprehension against me, it shows they are going late and is contrary to oral argument that everything is now over. Why should my liberty be restricted for 17 months is the larger question … He is not a flight risk, cannot influence witnesses or tamper with evidence at this stage,” Singhvi argued.
Singhvi added that there is little point in speaking of high-sounding principles such as “bail, not jail” and the right of an accused to a speedy trial if they are not implemented on the ground.
On the other hand, ASG Raju maintained that Sisodia could still tamper with evidence.
“Arm twisting has been done to get some to surrender their licenses. In Punjab, AAP is in power; overnight show cause notices were issued and distillery was shut down. When my officers went there, they were told your case is in Delhi only – this is documented. So they can tamper with evidence,” the ASG told the Court.
Source: Barandbench
