‘Raises doubts about your bona fides’: Delhi HC criticizes AAP government over delayed submission of the CAG report on liquor scam

Delhi HC slams AAP over CAG report

On Monday, the Delhi High Court criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Delhi government for its delayed submission of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report on the alleged liquor scam. The court expressed concerns over the government’s lack of urgency in addressing the matter.

Court’s observations on delayed submission

Justice Sachin Datta remarked on the government’s inaction, stating, “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.” He further questioned the government’s intent, adding, “The delay in sending the reports to the Lieutenant Governor and your handling of the matter raises doubts about your bona fides.”

Plea for special session denied

The court also addressed a plea from BJP MLAs, including Vijender Gupta, for a special session of the Delhi Assembly. However, it questioned the timing, citing the upcoming elections: “We are at a stage where the elections are around the corner. How can there be a special session now?”

CAG report findings

The CAG report, which highlights a revenue loss of Rs.2,026 crore due to the Delhi government’s excise policy, outlined several lapses:

• Rs.890 crore loss: Resulted from the failure to re-tender surrendered licences before the policy period ended.
• Rs.941 crore loss: Attributed to exemptions granted to zonal licences.
• Policy violations: Licenses were issued without verifying solvency, financial audits, sales data, wholesale pricing in other states, and criminal antecedents.

The report also criticized the lack of transparency in pricing and unpunished violations related to licence issuance.

AAP’s defence and BJP’s allegations

AAP MP Sanjay Singh raised doubts about the authenticity of the CAG report, accusing the BJP of spreading “fake news” and violating the Model Code of Conduct.

Meanwhile, the BJP has intensified its criticism of AAP, targeting:

• Sheesh Mahal controversy: The renovation costs of Kejriwal’s official residence, reportedly ballooned from Rs.8 crore to Rs.32 crore.
• Yamuna cleaning project: Alleged Rs.8,500 crore scam, with BJP leader Virendra Sachdeva, highlighting the issue but facing backlash after developing skin allergies from a dip in the Yamuna river.

Assembly’s stance and elections context

The Delhi Assembly Secretariat informed the court that tabling the CAG reports would serve no purpose as the Assembly’s tenure ends in February. This response came after BJP MLAs filed a petition demanding the presentation of 14 CAG reports, which the government claimed had already been submitted to the Speaker.

With Assembly elections set for February 5, tensions between AAP and BJP have escalated. The liquor policy controversy and allegations of corruption have become key issues in the political battle for Delhi.

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