The Delhi High Court has granted bail to Hyderabad-based businessman Arun Ramchandra Pillai, a key figure in the high-profile Delhi Excise Policy case. The ruling, pronounced by Justice Neena Bansal Krishna, comes as a significant development in the ongoing investigation into alleged corruption surrounding the now-scrapped 2021-22 Delhi Excise Policy.
Key Highlights:
Bail Granted: Pillai, arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in March 2023, was accused of playing a central role in the money laundering case. His bail marks a turning point in the case, following the recent bail granted by the Supreme Court to Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K Kavitha, another accused.
Legal Representation: Pillai’s defense was led by Advocates Nitesh Rana and Deepak Nagar, who successfully argued for his bail in the Delhi High Court.
Allegations Against Pillai:
Money Laundering Accusations: Pillai is accused of receiving bribes from Sameer Mahendru, Managing Director of Indospirit, and distributing them among other individuals involved in the alleged scam.
Destruction of Evidence: The ED’s chargesheet alleged that Pillai provided false statements under Section 50 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and deliberately destroyed or replaced five mobile phones used during the period of the scam. Furthermore, key chat evidence involving Pillai, found on other accused individuals’ phones, was missing from his own devices.
Also read: SC Grants Bail to Manish Sisodia in Delhi Excise Policy Case</strong>
Background of the Delhi Excise Policy Case:
Excise Policy Scrapped: The 2021-22 Delhi Excise Policy, under which the alleged corruption took place, was scrapped in 2022. This occurred after the Delhi Lieutenant Governor ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the policy’s formulation and execution, citing irregularities and corruption.
Alleged Favors and Irregularities: According to the ED and CBI, undue favors were extended to license holders under the policy. Allegations include waiving or reducing the license fees, extending the L-1 license without approval, and refunding the ₹30 crore earnest money deposit against regulations. The irregularities allegedly caused a loss of ₹144.36 crore to the exchequer.