NEW DELHI: In a significant development, the Supreme Court has granted bail to BRS leader K Kavitha in connection with the Delhi Excise Policy Scam. Kavitha had been in custody for several months, and her bail plea was heard before a bench comprising Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan.
Kavitha’s senior advocate, Mukul Rohtagi, argued that the investigation by both the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) was complete. He emphasized that his client deserved bail, especially considering that former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia had also been granted bail in the same cases.
The allegations against Kavitha included changing cell phone numbers and threatening witnesses. Rohtagi countered these claims, stating that such actions were not uncommon and that Kavitha’s father, a former Chief Minister, would be the more likely target if there were threats.
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The court questioned the absence of the beneficial proviso for Kavitha, given her status as a sitting Member of the Legislative Council (MLC). Rohtagi argued that she was not a vulnerable woman and had no reason to flee from justice.
Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, representing the investigating agencies, alleged that Kavitha had tampered with evidence by destroying her cell phone. Rohtagi dismissed this claim as “bogus.”
The bench allowed Kavitha’s bail application, setting aside the earlier denial by the Delhi High Court. The court emphasized that undertrial custody should not become punitive and granted bail to Kavitha in both the ED and CBI cases.
Kavitha must furnish a bail bond of Rs ten lakh in both cases. She is also required to surrender her passport and report to the investigating agency.
This ruling marks a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings related to the Delhi Excise Policy Scam, and Kavitha’s release on bail brings relief to her supporters and legal team