Month: March 2023

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday opposed the bail plea of AAP leader and Delhi’s former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, and said that they have prescribed 60 days to file the chargesheet after the arrest.

“Sisodia was arrested on February 26, 2023, and if released on bail now he will jeopardize our investigation as the destruction of evidence was a constant practice,” the agency claimed.
CBI said, “If he is granted bail, it will scuttle and compromise our investigation as the influence and interference is writ large.”

Special Public Prosecutor for CBI, Advocate DP Singh submitted that Manish Sisodia said that he destroyed phones because he wanted to upgrade. There was no upgradation done.

“According to our investigation, he (Manish Sisodia) did this to destroy the chat. He might not be at flight risk, but he is a definite risk who will destroy evidence, this cannot be ignored,” Special PP for CBI said while opposing Sisodia’s bail plea.

CBI also submitted that between 14-17 March 2021, South Group was residing in Oberoi, they prepared a note and took a printout. They got 36 pages of photocopies. There were meetings and the printout was done.

“As far as our case is concerned, do we find such money that comes from hawala sources, we can assume, it is not important, we have evidence to show that clauses were given and on that Group of Minister, the report was prepared,” the CBI said.

The agency further said that during COVID’s peak time, when people were stuck at home, the South Group took a chartered plane and travelled frequently to Delhi, stayed at Hotel in Delhi and was given a license against all norms.

“While the Govt was planning to change the excise policy of Delhi..the private players took 3 legal opinions from Mukul Rohatgi, former CJI Rajan Gogoi, and former Justice KG Balakrishnan. These legal opinions advocated the status quo,” submitted CBI lawyer DP Singh during Manish Sisodia’s bail arguments.

Appearing for Manish Sisodia, Senior Advocate Dayan Krishnan argued that, I complied with the notices issued to me. Joined the investigation, requirements of custodial Interrogation no longer survive as this stage is already crossed. The offences are punishable for up to 7 years. There is nothing material to show that I can influence the witnesses.

The fact of one phone is changed on the same date the matter was referred to CBI for the probe is a mere ‘coincidence’ submitted Sisdodia Lawyer while arguing for bail in the CBI case.

“I’ve deep roots in society. I joined the investigation when I was called before CBI. I am a public servant. Two more public servants were made accused in this case and allegations against them are far graver than mine. But they are sent without arrest,” said Sisodia’s lawyer.

Sisodia’s lawyer also cited the medical condition of the wife and said, the wife is not well as she suffers from multiple sclerosis.

These are government policies that have gone through various steps. The policy was also placed before the LG. There is no likelihood that the trial, in this case, starting or be concluded soon, Sisodia’s lawyer argued.

Former Delhi Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Manish Sisodia in his bail petition in a trial court stated that no fruitful purpose would be served to keep him in custody as all the recoveries have already been made.

Sisodia also stated that he has joined the investigation as and when called for by the CBI. The other accused persons arrested in this case have already been granted bail.

Sisodia further stated that he holds the important constitutional post of Deputy CM of Delhi and has deep roots in the society.

Sisodia was recently arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering matter related to alleged irregularities in the framing and implementation of the excise policy of GNCTD.

Rouse Avenue Court earlier while sending Sisodia to CBI remand directed that the interrogation of the accused during the remand period shall be conducted at some place having CCTV coverage in accordance with guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court and the said footage shall be preserved by the CBI.

Sisodia was arrested by CBI and ED in an ongoing investigation of a case related to alleged irregularities in the framing and implementation of the excise policy of GNCTD.

Earlier, the trial court observed that the accused had joined the investigation of this case on two earlier occasions, but it has also been observed that he has failed to provide satisfactory answers to most of the questions put to him during his examination and interrogation conducted and has thus, failed to legitimately explain the incriminating evidence which has allegedly surfaced against him in the investigation conducted so far. (ANI)

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Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday, again wrote to Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla, seeking permission to speak in the Lower House to respond to the allegations levelled at him by the Bharatiya Janata Party-led centre.

Addressing to the Lok Sabha speaker, Rahul Gandhi said in the letter, “I had written to you on March 17 seeking your permission to respond to totally baseless and unfair charges hurled at me by senior ministers in the Lok Sabha”.
“I am making such a request again. I am seeking this permission under the conventions of Parliamentary practice, the constitutionally embedded rules of natural justice and Rule 357 of the Rules and Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha,” he added.

He said that the Rule 357 of the Rules and Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha allows him to respond to the allegations in the Parliament.

Citing Rule 357, Rahul Gandhi stated, “A member may, with the permission of the speaker, make a personal explanation although there is no question before the House, in this case, no debatable matter may be brought forward, and no debate shall arise”.

Hitting out at the ruling regime, the Congress leader called the allegations against him as “scurrilous” and “defamatory”.

The letter stated, “Members of the ruling regime have made scurrilous and defamatory claims against me both within and outside Parliament. As a result of these allegations, and the rules invoked by these individuals, it is only appropriate that you kindly me a right to reply as contained in Rule 357 which allows for personal explanations”.

Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi levelled serious allegations against the Centre during several interactions during his visit to the United Kingdom.

His remarks have become the latest flashpoint between Congress and the BJP. The ruling party has accused him of “defaming” the country and demanded an “apology” from the Wayanad MP

While addressing a lecture at his alma matter Cambridge University in London, Rahul Gandhi said, “Everybody knows and it’s been in the news a lot that Indian democracy is under pressure and under attack. I am an Opposition leader in India, we are navigating that (Opposition) space. The institutional framework which is required for a democracy; Parliament, free press, the judiciary, just the idea of mobilisation, moving around all are getting constrained. So, we are facing an attack on the basic structure of Indian democracy.”

Previously, during the interaction at the Chatham House in London recently, Rahul Gandhi alleged that the microphones of Opposition leaders in Parliament are often silenced. He attacked the BJP-led government at the Centre and levelled several allegations.

The Congress leader also alleged that various institutions in the country were under threat.”It shocked me how successful they have been at capturing the different institutions of our country. Press, Judiciary, Parliament, and Election Commission are all under threat and are controlled in one way or the other,” Rahul Gandhi said.

He also termed the RSS a “fundamentalist” and “fascist” organisation alleging that it has captured almost all of India’s institutions.

The second leg of the Budget session has been facing repeated disruptions due to the continued logjam between the ruling party and the Opposition. While BJP has demanded an apology from Rahul Gandhi, the Opposition has stood by their demand for a JPC probe into the Adani issue.

The second leg of the Budget session commenced on March 13 and will conclude on April 6. (ANI)

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The Supreme Court on Tuesday posted for April 11 to hear submissions on whether to refer to the Constitution bench a batch of pleas challenging the government’s Electoral Bond scheme which allows for anonymous funding to political parties.

A bench of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice PS Narasimha said it will consider on April 11 if the Electoral Bonds case should be referred to a five-judge Constitution bench.
The apex court passed the direction after the petitioner’s counsel said the matter is of Constitutional importance and could impact democratic polity in the country and funding of political parties.

“This case should be heard by a constitution bench since this deserves an authoritative pronouncement by the court,” said advocate Shadan Farasat appearing for one of the petitioners.

To this, the bench said, “Then we will hear it on April 11, 2023, to see if it should be referred to the Constitution bench.”

During the hearing senior advocate, Dushyant Dave told the bench that the matter has been pending for a long and asked are we going to wait for the Karnataka elections now so that another tranche of Electoral Bonds is given.

Earlier, advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing NGOs Association for Democratic Reforms and Common Cause – petitioners in the case, had told the apex court that the matter should be referred to a five-judge Constitution bench.

An application was filed earlier relating to the Centre amending the Electoral Bond scheme to allow their sale for 15 extra days during the “year of general elections to the legislative assembly of States and Union territories with the legislature”.

The new application was filed by Congress leader Jaya Thakur in the main matter, which has been pending since 2017.

Jaya Thakur had challenged the Electoral Bond scheme which allows for anonymous funding to political parties.

An Electoral Bond is an instrument in the nature of a promissory note or bearer bond which can be purchased by any individual, company, firm or association of persons provided the person or body is a citizen of India or incorporated or established in India. The bonds are issued specifically for the purpose of contributing funds to political parties.

The Ministry of Finance on November 7, 2022, issued a notification for amending the scheme to provide “an additional period of 15 days” for their sale “in the year of general elections to the Legislative Assembly of States and Union Territories with Legislature”.

“An additional period of fifteen days shall be specified by the central government in the year of general elections to the legislative assembly of states and Union territories with the legislature,” the gazette notification said.

The government notified the Electoral Bond Scheme in 2018. The bonds under this scheme are usually made available for purchase by any person for a period of ten days each in the months of January, April, July and October, when specified by the Union government.

The original scheme had provided for an additional period of thirty days, as specified by the government, in the year when Lok Sabha elections are held, while the amendment adds another 15 days.

In October last year, the Centre in an affidavit had said that methodology of the electoral bonds scheme is a “completely transparent” mode of political funding and it is impossible to get black money or unaccounted money.

Various petitions are pending before the top court challenging at least amendments made to different statutes through the Finance Act 2017 and Finance Act 2016 on the ground that they have opened doors to unlimited, unchecked funding of political parties.

NGOs Association of Democratic Reforms and Common Cause have said that Finance Bill, 2017, which paved the way for introducing the Electoral Bond scheme, was passed as a money bill even though it wasn’t. (ANI)

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Who doesn’t enjoy the rain and that too sudden unexpected rain in the month of March. Actor Nushrratt Bharuccha amazed after seeing such weather.

Taking to her Instagram, Nushrratt shared a video showing heaving rain in her area.

Sharing the video, she wrote, “March ke mahine mein aisi baarish?”

A sudden change of weather has been seen in Delhi and different parts of India woke up to a brief spell of light rain on Tuesday morning.

Earlier, the weather department said light to moderate rainfall is likely to occur at one or two places in various areas.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Nushrratt recently wrapped the shooting of ‘Chhorii 2’.

Helmed by Vishal Furia ‘Chhorii’ streamed exclusively on the OTT platform Amazon Prime Video and received positive responses from the audience.

Apart from Nushrratt, ‘Chhorii 2’ also stars Soha Ali Khan in the lead role.

Nushrratt, who will return to play the role of the protagonist, Sakshi, earlier said, “I am over the moon with the amazing reactions and success that Chhorii has met with! Chhorii was a significant departure from the work I had previously been a part of and to see the risk being rewarded is such a great feeling. Chhorii is a passion project for all of us and I cannot wait to engage with Vishal and the team as we take the story forward with Chhorii 2.”

Apart from this, she also has a drama thriller ‘Akelli’ in her kitty. The film is shot in Iraq and revolves around how a person realizes her own capabilities in adverse situations like being trapped in the desert land.

‘Akelli’ is helmed by Pranay Meshram, who has worked as an associate director for various projects and will debutant as a director with this film.

The film is produced by Dashami Studioz’ Nitin Vaidya, Ninad Vaidya, Aparna Padgaonkar along with Vicky Sidana & Shashant Shah. (ANI)

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International Borders with Nepal, Pakistan among others have been put on alert after the Centre circulated a message to the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) considering the possibility that Waris Punjab De chief Amritpal Singh might escape country.

The MHA has asked the chiefs of both the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) to direct their forces deputed on the International Borders to be on alert amid the ongoing hunt against the Khalistani radical Amritpal Singh whose hunt entered the fourth day on Tuesday, said top government sources.
All the key Border Outposts at International Borders with Nepal, Punjab and Bangladesh and the frontier units of the BSF and the SSB positioned there have been alerted with a message to be on high alert with intelligence input that Amritpal Singh may escape the country to avoid his arrest, said a source, requesting anonymity.

Pictures of Amritpal Singh have also been circulated on these key exit points at the International Borders so that the radical self-styled Sikh preacher could not leave the country, said the source.

A senior official said the two paramilitary forces had already sent all required inputs to their field units with photographs of Amritpal Singh – with and without a turban.

The move came amid a massive crackdown by the Punjab Police against Waris Punjab De chief Amritpal Singh entered the fourth day on Tuesday. The Punjab Police has declared Amritpal Singh a fugitive. While Amritpal Singh’s uncle Harjit Singh and driver Harpreet Singh have surrendered before the Jalandhar police, the radical preacher is still on the run. The Punjab government also extended the suspension of mobile internet and SMS services.

The Punjab government on Saturday launched a major crackdown against Amritpal, with the police arresting 78 members of an outfit headed by him.

The police action comes a day before the start of Amritpal’s ‘Khalsa Wahir’ – a religious procession – from Muktsar district.

The elusive preacher, however, gave the police the slip and escaped their dragnet when his cavalcade was intercepted in Jalandhar district, even as authorities stepped up security at several places in Punjab.

An FIR was lodged against Amritpal and his supporters for breaking through a police checkpoint and another related to the recovery of a firearm in the vehicle found in a Jalandhar village.

Punjab Inspector General of Police Sukhchain Singh Gill has said they strongly suspect an ISI angle and foreign funding in ‘Waris Punjab De’.

He has also said a total of 114 people have been arrested so far since the crackdown has launched. (ANI)

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Amid the ongoing crackdown against ‘Waris Punjab De’ chief Amritpal Singh carried out by the Punjab Police, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday said that those who will try to disturb peace in the state will be severely dealt with.

“Action has been taken against them and they have been arrested, strict punishment will be given to them. Those who will try to disturb Punjab’s peace will be severely dealt with,” said CM Mann on action taken against Amritpal Singh and his associates while addressing a press conference.
“In the last few days, some elements were talking to spoil the environment of Punjab with the help of foreign powers and were giving hateful speeches. Action has been taken against them and they have been arrested and strict punishment will be given to them”, said Punjab CM.

“During this operation, the law and order situation in Punjab has been absolutely fine and not even a stone has been moved. I got calls from many people in Punjab, who said that you have taken the right decision”, added CM Mann.

Bhagwant Mann said, “Our children need books and not weapons. Punjab has always led the country, and will continue to do so in the future.”

Earlier, the Punjab government informed that mobile internet services will be operational in many cities of Punjab after 12 noon on Tuesday.

“It is made clear that mobile internet services in all the remaining areas of the State (except Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Moga, Sangrur, Subdivision Ajnala, YPS Nagar of Mohali and areas adjacent to Airport Road) should start functioning normally from 12.00 noon today i.e., 21.03.2023”, the department of Home Affairs and Justice, Government of Punjab informed in a statement on Tuesday.

The notification also added that the Broadband Services have not been suspended so that online Banking facilities, hospital services and other essential services are not disrupted. (ANI)

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Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLC K Kavitha on Tuesday arrived at the Enforcement Drectorate’s office for questioning in the Delhi liquor policy case.

ED yesterday questioned her for over 10 hours regarding her alleged role in the Delhi liquor policy case.
On Monday, Kavitha appeared before ED after the federal agency on March 16, issued a fresh summon to the BRS leader to join its ongoing investigation in the case.

The federal agency issued the fresh summons as Kavitha refused to attend the ED interrogation on Thursday citing a pending petition in the Supreme Court.

Kavitha did not appear for questioning conveying to the probe agency that the matter is still pending before the apex court.

According to the sources, Kavitha has sent the necessary documents sought by the probe agency through her legal representative.

The ED had summoned her earlier this month to appear before it on Thursday in the Delhi excise scam, alleging that she was a key member of the south cartel.

The BRS leader had approached the Supreme Court for an urgent hearing claiming that as a woman, she cannot be summoned to the ED office, and the probe agency’s representatives must visit her instead.

On Wednesday the Supreme Court had agreed to hear her plea challenging the ED summons on March 24 but refused to grant her interim relief.

In its investigation, ED has come to know that Hyderabad-based businessman Arun Ramchandra Pillai is one of the key persons in the alleged scam involving payments of huge kickbacks and the formation of the biggest cartel of the South Group.

South Group comprises Telangana MLC Kavitha, Sarath Reddy (promoter of Aurobindo Group), Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy (MP, Ongole), his son Raghav Magunta, and others. The South Group was being represented by Pillai, Abhishek Boinpalli and Butchi Babu, the federal agency investigation has revealed.

Pillai along with his associates was coordinating with various persons to execute the political understanding between the South Group and a leader of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Pillai has been an accomplice and was involved in the kickbacks from the South Group and the recoupment of the same from the businesses in Delhi, ED investigation revealed.

The ED had earlier said that the South Group gave kickbacks of Rs 100 crore to AAP leaders.

Pillai is learnt to be a partner of 32.5 per cent in Indo Spirits, which had got an L1 licence. Indo Spirits is a partnership firm of Arun (32.5 per cent), Prem Rahul (32.5 per cent) and Indospirit Distribution Limited (35 per cent), wherein Arun and Prem Rahul represented the benami investments of Kavitha and Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy and his son Raghava Magunta.

Pillai is a partner in Indo Spirits. In this partnership firm, Pillai represented the interests of Kavitha.

Kavitha, who is a member of the Telangana Legislative Council, was questioned by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the same case in December last year.

ED, last year filed its first chargesheet in the case. The agency said it has so far undertaken nearly 200 search operations in this case after filing FIR after taking cognisance of a CBI case which was registered on the recommendation of the Delhi lieutenant governor.

The CBI inquiry was recommended on the findings of the Delhi chief secretary’s report filed in July showing prima facie violations of the GNCTD Act 1991, Transaction of Business Rules (ToBR)-1993, Delhi Excise Act-2009, and Delhi Excise Rules-2010, officials had said.

In October, the ED had raided nearly three dozen locations in Delhi and Punjab following the arrest of Sameer Mahendru, Managing Director of Delhi’s Jor Bagh-based liquor distributor Indospirit Group, in the case and arrested him later. The CBI too filed its first charge sheet in the case early this week.

The ED and the CBI had alleged that irregularities were committed while modifying the Excise Policy, undue favours were extended to licence holders, the licence fee was waived or reduced and the L-1 licence was extended without the competent authority’s approval. The beneficiaries diverted “illegal” gains to the accused officials and made false entries in their books of account to evade detection.

As per the allegations, the Excise Department had decided to refund the Earnest Money Deposit of about Rs 30 crore to a successful tenderer against the set rules. Even though there was no enabling provision, a waiver on tendered licence fees was allowed from December 28, 2021, to January 27, 2022, due to COVID-19.

This allegedly caused a loss of Rs 144.36 crore to the exchequer, which has been instituted on a reference from the Union Home Ministry following a recommendation from Delhi Lieutenant-Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena. (ANI)

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Anupam Kher penned another emotional tribute for his dear friend Satish Kaushik, who died following a cardiac arrest on March 8 in New Delhi.

Taking to Instagram, Anupam posted a show-motion reel video from Satish Kaushik’s prayer meet that was held on Monday in Mumbai. In the video, Anupam showered rose petals on Satish’s picture and then the ‘Kashmir Files’ actor wrote in the caption in hindi, “Jaa!!! Tujhe maaf kiya! Mujhe Akela chod kar jane ke liye!! I will surely find you in people’s laughter! But will miss our friendship on a day to day basis!! Alvida mere dost! Tera favourite gana lagaya hain background me! Tu bhi kya yaad karega!!”
Anupam added ‘Do Lafzo ki hai’ in the background of the video.

Besides Anupam, Boney Kapoor, Gulshan Grover, Vivek Agnihotri, Javed Akhtar, Jackie Shroff, and Vidya Balan and many prominent actors of the film industry attended the prayer meet.

Anupam first broke the news of Satish’s demise on social media. Sharing the news, Anupam tweeted in hindi, “Death is the ultimate truth of this world!” But I never thought in my dreams that I would write this thing about my best friend #SatishKaushik while alive. Such a sudden full stop on a friendship of 45 years!! Life will NEVER be the same without you SATISH! Om Shanti!”

In an earlier video, Anupam said about Satish, “We dreamt together. We started our lives together at the National School of Drama in July 1975. He went to Bombay before me. We used to fight, quarrel, get jealous of each other, but above all, we used to call each other around 8-8.30 A.M in the morning every day.”

Satish Kaushik was a versatile actor, writer, director and producer, who made his mark in the Indian film industry with his captivating performances and unique sense of humour. He gained recognition in the 1980s and 1990s for his work in popular films such as ‘Mr India’, ‘Saajan Chale Sasural’, and ‘Judaai’. (ANI)

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The decision of Interpol to take off the Red Corner Notice (RCN) issued against Mehul Choksi is a result of efforts of the legal team and the genuine claim of the “kidnapping” of my client Mehul Choksi, said his lawyer Vijay Aggarwal.

Ultimately, truth has prevailed, he said, adding, “as the kidnapping attempt of my client is not approved by the international community, RCN issued against my client by Interpol has been removed”.
It is pertinent to note that Red Corner Notices are issued against fugitives and is considered as a request to law enforcement agencies across the world to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action.

The 63-year-old fugitive is wanted in India in connection with a Rs 13,500-crore fraud in the Punjab National Bank (PNB).

Lawyer Raleigh claimed that Indian agencies had abducted him from Antigua and forcibly took him to Dominica in June 2021.

Last year, the fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi also got a huge relief from the Commonwealth of Dominica in which he was charged with illegal entry by the police. The prosecution of Dominica decided to withdraw/discontinue the legal proceedings going in the illegal entry case against him.

Director of Public Prosecutions (AG) in a reply filed on May 17, 2022, to the Magistrate Court informed that “‘Mehul Chinubhai Choksi’ was charged, for that he, on the 24th day of May 2021 at Toucarie Bay, Toucarie in the Parish of St. John, in the Commonwealth of Dominica, did enter Illegally into the Commonwealth of Dominica at a place to wit “Toucarie Bay, Toucarie” not approved as a point of entry”.

The reply of the Director of Prosecutions further states that “In accordance with the provisions of Section 72(2) (c) of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Dominica, I do hereby discontinue the above-mentioned proceedings against the said, ‘Mehul Chinubhai Choksi'”.

After the decision of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Choksi lawyer Advocate Vijay Aggarwal while talking to ANI said, “Truth always comes out in the end, no matter how hard anyone tries to stop it or hide it. Lies are just temporary delays to the inevitable. It was extremely insensitive for some people to call injuries on my client Mr Mehul Choksi to be fake because of some legal strategy.”

Earlier, when Dominica High Court granted interim bail to Choksi on medical grounds, Vijay Aggarwal had said that all pending proceedings related to illegal entry against Mehul Choksi will be kept in abeyance till he gets medically fit to come back to Dominica.

“But according to us that was not an illegal entry matter, it was a forceful entry case,” he added.

Fugitive Businessman Mehul Choksi had gone missing from Antigua on May 23, 2021, and was soon caught in Dominica. He was charged with illegal entry by the police in Dominica. (ANI)

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