New Delhi: A recently leaked report by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) reveals major flaws in Delhi’s liquor policy, causing a significant revenue loss of ₹2026 crore to the government. The report, which is expected to be presented in the Delhi Legislative Assembly, sheds light on the problems with the policy, including issues in the licensing process and allegations of bribery to benefit leaders from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Here are the key highlights of the CAG report and its implications.
Flaws in Liquor Policy and Licensing Issues
The CAG report highlights that several irregularities were present in the implementation of Delhi’s liquor policy introduced in 2021. These included significant flaws in the process of granting licenses. The report also claims that AAP leaders allegedly received bribes to favor certain individuals or businesses involved in the liquor trade.
One of the major concerns raised in the report is the approval of licenses for individuals who were at a financial disadvantage or even operating at a loss. This led to the grant and renewal of licenses, even in cases where businesses were struggling. The report suggests that such actions were taken despite multiple complaints from affected parties.
Corruption Allegations Against Key Leaders
The CAG report further points to the involvement of senior AAP leaders in corrupt practices linked to the liquor policy. Among the prominent figures implicated are Delhi’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, both of whom have faced corruption charges related to the policy. In fact, the controversy surrounding the liquor policy led to their arrests in 2022, though they were later granted bail.
The report claims that a group of ministers led by Sisodia rejected expert panel recommendations, which would have prevented many of these irregularities. Furthermore, the cabinet approved the policy without seeking the required approval from the then Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Delhi, which raised questions about its legality and transparency.
Policy Withdrawal and Legal Consequences
Due to the numerous flaws in the policy and the resulting public outcry, the Delhi government was forced to withdraw the new liquor policy. This led to a series of legal and political consequences for key AAP leaders. Both Kejriwal and Sisodia faced charges of corruption, leading to their arrest and extended stays in jail before being granted bail.
Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21, 2022, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) after a detailed investigation into the policy. He spent a total of 156 days in jail before being released on bail. The political fallout from the liquor policy scandal significantly impacted the credibility of the AAP government in Delhi.
Legal Developments in the Case
The ED’s investigation against Kejriwal and other AAP leaders has progressed slowly, with several legal hurdles along the way. In December 2022, Delhi’s LG granted permission for the ED to proceed with legal action against Kejriwal in connection with the liquor policy case. The ED had previously sought permission from the LG to file charges against Kejriwal, which was granted after a series of legal proceedings.
In addition to the ED’s investigation, Kejriwal has challenged the charges against him in various courts, including the Supreme Court. The apex court ruled in favor of Kejriwal in November 2022, stating that the government’s approval was required to proceed with a case against a public servant under PMLA. This ruling has complicated the case further and delayed the start of the trial.
Political and Administrative Fallout
The controversy surrounding the Delhi liquor policy has had serious political ramifications. Allegations of corruption have not only affected the reputation of AAP but have also created a significant rift between the Delhi government and the central government, as well as with the opposition parties. The situation has led to an ongoing legal battle, with political leaders on both sides using it as ammunition in the ongoing struggle for power in Delhi.
As the CAG report and legal cases continue to unfold, questions remain about the future of the Delhi government’s policies and the political careers of those involved in the scandal. With a large part of the public eye focused on the issue, this scandal has far-reaching implications for Delhi’s governance and political landscape.
The leaked CAG report on Delhi’s liquor policy underscores significant flaws in the policy’s implementation, including irregularities in licensing, alleged bribery, and political interference. While the Delhi government has attempted to downplay the scandal, the ongoing legal cases and public scrutiny continue to put pressure on AAP leaders. As the case progresses through the courts, it remains to be seen whether further revelations will emerge, and what impact this scandal will have on the political future of Arvind Kejriwal and his government in Delhi.
