On Friday, the Supreme Court granted bail to businessman Amandeep Singh Dhall, embroiled in the ongoing investigation into irregularities linked to Delhi’s liquor policy.
The bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to prioritize the quality of its prosecution rather than merely the quantity of witnesses presented.
Key Takeaways
The court emphasized that enhancing the conviction rate is crucial, suggesting that the CBI should focus on the credibility and reliability of witness testimonies.
During the proceedings, the court highlighted the concern that white-collar criminals often perceive the legal system as ineffective, allowing them to evade justice after serving only a brief period in detention.
The justices pointed out that the CBI’s proposal to call 300 witnesses could prolong the trial unnecessarily, thereby affecting the timeliness of justice.
The court stipulated several conditions for Dhall’s release on bail, including a mandatory requirement for him to appear at all trial court hearings.
Additionally, the justices noted that Dhall has been incarcerated since April 2023, while the courts have already granted bail to other co-accused individuals, including former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
The Supreme Court is hearing the bail plea of Amandeep Singh Dhall, a businessman and director of Brindco Sales Private Limited, in a corruption case linked to irregularities in the liquor policy under investigation by the CBI.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) and CBI have alleged that Dhall and others involved engaged in various irregularities, including the modification of the excise policy, extending undue favors to license holders, and improperly waiving or reducing license fees.
Additionally, investigators claimed that officials extended the L-1 license, essential for wholesale liquor distribution, without proper approval from the competent authority.
The Supreme Court’s decision to grant bail to Dhall not only addresses his immediate legal concerns but also raises broader questions about the efficacy of prosecutorial strategies in high-profile corruption cases.
As the trial progresses, the focus on the quality of evidence and the integrity of witness testimonies will be paramount for the CBI in securing successful convictions.
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