NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court has criticised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Delhi government for its delay in presenting a critical Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report on the ongoing liquor scam before the Delhi Assembly. The case, which has seen high-profile arrests including that of Delhi former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and senior leader Manish Sisodia, centers on the government’s excise policy and its alleged irregularities.
Justice Sachin Datta, while hearing the matter, expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the report, highlighting that the delay in sending the findings to the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly was “unfortunate.” He further noted that such matters should have been dealt with promptly, especially in light of the significant findings in the report.
The CAG report has accused the Delhi government of causing a revenue loss of over Rs 2,000 crore to the state exchequer, citing issues such as lack of transparency in the pricing mechanism, deviations from the policy’s original objectives, and improper issuance of liquor licenses. It also pointed to failure in adhering to excise rules, such as not verifying financial solvency, criminal backgrounds of licensees, and required documentation.
The report specified that a significant portion of the loss, approximately Rs 890 crore, occurred due to the government’s failure to retender surrendered liquor licenses before the end of the policy period. An additional Rs 941 crore loss resulted from the issuance of exemptions to zonal licenses, bypassing necessary regulations.
In response, AAP MP Sanjay Singh raised questions about the origins of the CAG report, accusing the BJP of attempting to manipulate the timing of its release for political advantage, especially with the Delhi Assembly elections around the corner. Singh argued that the BJP was spreading “fake news” to deflect from its own alleged misconduct.
The BJP has called for a special Delhi Assembly session to discuss the CAG report, questioning the Delhi government’s transparency. BJP leader Vijender Gupta raised concerns about accountability. However, the Delhi High Court expressed doubts about holding the session so close to the February 5 elections. The controversy over the liquor policy and financial irregularities continues to intensify tensions between AAP and BJP.