‘Raises doubts about your bona fides’: Delhi High Court Slams AAP Govt Over CAG Report

The Delhi High Court reprimanded the Aam Aadmi Party-led Delhi government for delaying the submission of a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) on the ongoing liquor scam to the Assembly Speaker. The scam has led to the arrests of former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and senior leader Manish Sisodia.

"The way you've been dragging your feet is something unfortunate. You should've been prompt in sending it (reports) to the Speaker and having a discussion at the floor of the assembly," the court told the Delhi government.

Justice Sachin Datta added, "The delay in sending the reports to the Lieutenant Governor and your handling of the matter raises doubts about your bona fides."

The court also scheduled the plea by BJP MLAs, including Vijender Gupta, requesting a special session of the Delhi Assembly later today. However, the court remarked, "We are at a stage where the elections are approaching. How can there be a special session now?"

The report on the Delhi government's excise policy revealed a revenue loss of Rs 2,026 crore to the state exchequer. The findings highlighted deviations from the policy's objectives, a lack of transparency in pricing, and unpunished violations in the issuance of licenses.

According to the report, of the total losses amounting to Rs 2,026 crore to the state exchequer, Rs 890 crore stemmed from the government's failure to re-tender the surrendered licenses before the policy period ended. Additionally, exemptions granted to zonal licenses contributed to a loss of Rs 941 crore.

"The department was issuing licenses without checking various requirements relating to excise rules and terms and conditions for the issue of different types of licenses. It was observed that licenses were issued without ensuring solvency, submission of audited financial statements, submission of data regarding sales and wholesale price declared in other states and across the year, verification of criminal antecedents from the competent authority, etc.," the executive summary of the CAG report read.

On Sunday, AAP MP Sanjay Singh questioned the authenticity of the CAG report, which highlighted a significant revenue loss of Rs 2,026 crore due to irregularities in the Delhi government's excise policy. He argued that the Model Code of Conduct is currently in effect, and accused the BJP of "violating" the regulations by spreading false information.

Earlier, the Delhi Assembly Secretariat informed the court that presenting the CAG reports on city administration in the Assembly would be pointless, given that its tenure ends in February. This response came in reaction to a petition by seven BJP MLAs regarding the tabling of the CAG reports in the Assembly.

The situation unfolded after the Delhi High Court requested responses from the Delhi Government, the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, and other respondents regarding a petition filed by BJP MLAs seeking a special session to present 14 CAG reports. The Delhi government had informed the court that all 14 reports had been submitted to the Speaker.

As the Delhi Assembly elections approach on February 5, the political tension between AAP and BJP has intensified. The BJP has criticized AAP, focusing on Chief Minister Kejriwal's 'Sheesh Mahal' residence, referring to CAG findings that suggested the renovation cost of the CM's house was increased from Rs 8 crore to Rs 32 crore due to alleged corruption.

Last year, Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva's protest by taking a dip in the Yamuna to highlight an alleged Rs 8,500 crore scam in the river cleaning project took an unfortunate turn when he developed skin allergies.