Supreme Court Critiques Chhattisgarh's Bail Process in Rs 2,000 Crore Liquor Scam Case

The Supreme Court has expressed concern over the prolonged detention of an accused in the alleged Rs 2,000 crore liquor scam in Chhattisgarh. During a hearing on Monday, Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan questioned the state government about the extended jail time for the accused. They highlighted that three chargesheets have already been filed, yet the investigation continues.

Senior advocate Mahesh Jethmalani, representing the state, opposed the bail pleas. He argued that the accused need to be confronted with other individuals involved in the case. Meanwhile, senior advocate Siddharth Agarwal, representing the accused, pointed out that despite three chargesheets being filed, charges are yet to be framed.

Investigation Details and Allegations

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has accused a syndicate of high-level state officials, private individuals, and political executives of generating over Rs 2,000 crore in illicit money between 2019 and 2022. This money laundering case is linked to a 2022 income tax department chargesheet filed in Delhi.

The ED claims that bribes were collected from distillers on a per liquor case basis through the CSMCL state body for liquor purchase and sale. It is alleged that country liquor was sold off-the-books. The agency also stated that bribes were taken to allow distillers to form a cartel with a fixed market share.

Legal Proceedings and Bail Pleas

The Supreme Court has allowed petitioners Arvind Singh and Amit Singh to be confronted with former excise minister Kawasi Lakhma. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on May 9. Agarwal noted that six people, including public servants, have been granted bail while 457 witnesses are involved in this ongoing investigation.

The bench orally remarked that keeping someone in custody for an extended period virtually penalises them. "You have made the process a punishment," they observed, emphasising that this is not a case involving terrorism or multiple murders.

The court's remarks underline concerns about the justice system's efficiency and fairness in handling such cases. The ongoing investigation and legal proceedings continue to unfold as authorities seek to address these serious allegations.