New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has challenged before the Delhi High Court the discharge of former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia and 21 other accused in the Delhi excise policy case.
In a 974-page petition, the agency termed the special court’s order discharging all 23 accused as “manifestly illegal and erroneous”. The CBI alleged that the trial court ignored the foundational principles of criminal conspiracy and effectively conducted a “mini-trial” at the stage of framing of charges.
According to the plea, the special judge went beyond a prima facie assessment and undertook a detailed appreciation of evidence, which the agency argued amounted to exceeding its limited jurisdiction at the discharge stage. The CBI further contended that the court selectively read the prosecution’s case and prematurely evaluated the evidentiary value of material placed on record.
The agency said the alleged conspiracy was improperly broken into isolated parts and examined separately, instead of considering the cumulative effect of evidence gathered during the investigation.
The CBI has sought setting aside of the discharge order and restoration of proceedings in accordance with law.
