Delhi High Court Criticizes AAP Government Over Delayed CAG Report

Delhi High Court Criticizes AAP Government: A new audit report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has raised serious concerns over the implementation of the liquor regulation policy in Delhi.

The Delhi High Court has reprimanded the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Delhi government for its delay in presenting the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report on the excise policy scam before the Assembly Speaker.

The controversy has already led to the arrests of former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and senior party leader Manish Sisodia.

The Delhi High Court has harshly criticized the Delhi Government for its unexplained delay in addressing the CAG reports, stating, "The way you have dragged your feet raises doubts about your bona fides." The court further insisted, "You should have promptly forwarded the reports to the Speaker and initiated a discussion in the House."

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The court has fixed a hearing on this critical matter at 2:30 PM today, emphasizing the seriousness and urgency of the situation.

“The delay in handling this matter is unfortunate,” remarked Justice Sachin Datta, adding that the government should have promptly submitted the report to the Speaker for discussion in the Assembly. He further noted, “The manner in which this has been managed raises serious questions about the government’s intent.”

The court also reviewed a plea by BJP MLAs, including Vijender Gupta, demanding a special session of the Delhi Assembly to discuss the report. However, Justice Datta observed, “With elections around the corner, convening a special session at this stage may not be feasible.”

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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.

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