The Rouse Avenue Court postponed its decision on Monday on a petition filed by businessman Dinesh Arora, an accused associate of Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, asking to be appointed as an approver in the alleged excise policy case. Dinesh Arora’s lawyer acknowledged that the hearings were held behind closed doors.
After taking note of both parties’ submissions, Special Judge MK Nagpal reserved the order for November 16, 2022. According to the lawyer who appeared on the case, the Court asked the CBI many questions about the status of the current investigation and how Dinesh Arora’s revelation was assisting the agency in its probe. Dinesh Arora, a businessman, is an accused in the Delhi excise policy case. He submitted last week that he was willing to make genuine disclosure about the matter willingly and that he wanted to be an approver in the case.
He said, “I am ready to make a voluntary and true disclosure with respect to my role in the commission of the alleged offences. I have also cooperated in the investigation of the case by CBI and have made true statements before the Investigation officer. I have also made a confessional statement before the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) regarding facts and events pertaining to the commission of alleged offences”.
Arora further said, “the application to turn approver in the case has been filed with the request of the grant of pardon to me as I am ready to voluntarily make a true and full disclosure of all the facts pertaining to this case as the same are within my knowledge.”
“I request to be granted pardon in this case. I have agreed without any pressure, undue influence or coaxing by CBI or any other. I am also ready to abide by all the terms and conditions which the court may impose upon me,” he added.
In response to the Court’s query, he stated that there was no compulsion or threat from the CBI or anybody else to do so.
The Court was considering a motion under Section 306 of the Crpc to appoint businessman Dinesh Arora as an approver/witness in the Delhi excise policy case.
Dinesh Arora was granted anticipatory release by the same court a few days ago after the CBI did not oppose his request in this case.
The Court then noted that the CBI had stated in its reply to the anticipatory bail plea that the applicant had supported the investigation and disclosed certain facts that were critical to the investigation; thus, the CBI has no objection if the applicant is granted anticipatory bail by this court.
