Supreme Court Grants Bail to BRS Leader K Kavitha in Excise Policy Case

The Supreme Court granted bail to BRS leader K Kavitha in the excise policy cases probed by the CBI and ED. The court directed her release, imposing conditions to prevent tampering with evidence. Kavitha has been in jail for five months with trial expected to be prolonged.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday granted bail to BRS leader K Kavitha in the excise policy irregularities cases being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED). A bench of justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan ordered her immediate release. The court imposed several conditions, including prohibiting tampering with evidence or influencing witnesses. Kavitha is required to provide a bail bond of Rs 10 lakh each for both the CBI and ED cases and surrender her passport.

The court noted that Kavitha has been imprisoned for five months and that the trial might extend considerably due to the involvement of 493 witnesses and numerous documents. The reliance is primarily on statements from co-accused who have turned approvers. During the hearing, the top court emphasized that the probe agency cannot selectively target individuals.

Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Kavitha, argued for her bail citing parity with co-accused Manish Sisodia, who also secured bail. Rohatgi added that as a woman and a sitting MLC, Kavitha poses no flight risk. Justice BR Gavai humorously noted that as an MLC, Kavitha should discern right from wrong. Rohatgi dismissed the allegations about phone tampering as trivial, comparing it to changing cars. Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, for the agency, pointed out that she had destroyed the phone. Rohatgi retorted that the phone had been given to a servant, suggesting the matter was insignificant. The Supreme Court judges acknowledged that people often delete messages but noted concerns from the agency about formatting the phone. The Delhi High Court had previously dismissed Kavitha's bail petitions.

Recently, the ED submitted a supplementary chargesheet in the Rouse Avenue Court related to the Excise Policy money laundering case against Kavitha and other accused. Kavitha was arrested by the ED on March 15, 2024, and subsequently by the CBI on April 11, 2024. The CBI's inquiry was based on a report by the Delhi Chief Secretary highlighting prima facie violations of multiple laws and rules in modifying the excise policy, granting undue favors to license holders, and extending licenses without proper approvals.

(With inputs from agencies.)