Delhi Excise Policy: HC Dismisses  AAP Leader Sanjay Singh’s Plea Challenging Arrest

The Delhi High Court on Friday refused to intervene in the arrest of AAP leader Sanjay Singh and his subsequent custody by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case linked to the now-scrapped excise policy of the city government.

A bench of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma dismissed Singh’s plea challenging both his arrest and custody, stating that there were no grounds to grant him relief.

Sanjay Singh, who was arrested by the ED on October 4, had petitioned the high court the previous week to challenge his arrest and custody in the money laundering case related to alleged irregularities in the Delhi excise policy for 2021-22.

The ED’s money laundering case is based on the CBI’s First Information Report (FIR). According to both the CBI and the ED, irregularities occurred during the modification of the Delhi Excise Policy for 2021-22, where undue advantages were provided to license holders.

It is alleged that Sanjay Singh played a pivotal role in the formulation and implementation of the policy, which resulted in financial gains for certain liquor manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers.

During the high court proceedings, Singh contended that his arrest was “illegal, malicious, and a clear abuse of power,” and he should, therefore, be released.

Following his arrest, the trial court had placed Singh in the custody of the anti-money laundering agency. On October 13, he was remanded to judicial custody until October 27.