Delhi Lieutenant Governor orders CBI probe into alleged violation of excise policy
22 July, 2022 | Pravina Srivastava
Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who also oversees the excise department, is accused of violating the Delhi Excise Policy
Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who also oversees the excise department, is accused of violating the Delhi Excise Policy and committing “deliberate and severe procedural errors,” according to Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena.
After a recent report by Chief Secretary found that GNCTD Act of 1991, Transaction of Business Rules (ToBR) of 1993, Delhi Excise Act of 2009, and Delhi Excise Rules of 2010 had all been violated, therefore, CBI investigation was suggested.
According to sources in LG office, Sisodia’s participation is being scrutinized for suspected intentional and flagrant procedural errors that gave liquor licensees for the years 2021–2022 unwarranted advantages during the tendering process.
They claimed that Sisodia had made judgments in contravention of Excise Policy’s legal requirements, which might have had significant financial ramifications.
As per reports, the exchequer suffered significant losses as a result of such “undue financial favours” given to liquor licence holders after the deadline for awarding bids.
In the midst of the fatal Delta Covid-19 epidemic in 2021, excise policy was approved by Delhi Cabinet, which is led by chief minister Arvind Kejriwal.
According to several sources, action was taken only to help private liquor barons.
However, according to Delhi administration, regulation was created to promote maximum revenue generation, end the sale of fake or duty-exempt alcohol in Delhi, and enhance user experience.