Delhi Liquor Scam: Kavitha moves SC, plea to be heard on March 24
Kavitha has been summoned again by the ED on March 16
By Newsmeter Network Published on 15 March 2023 11:51 AM GMT
New Delhi: Kalvakuntla Kavitha, BRS MLC, has been summoned for the second time on March 16 for questioning by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the Delhi Liquor Policy case.
A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the summons issued to her by ED.
Kavitha had been summoned first by the ED on March 11. After the second summons, her lawyers argued in the Supreme Court that it was against the law to call a woman to the office of the ED and sought an urgent hearing of the plea. However, the apex court refused to grant her interim relief.
A bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justice P S Narasimha has agreed to hear Kavitha's plea on March 24. The case has garnered significant attention as it involves a high-profile politician and raises questions about the legality of summoning women to the ED office.
Violation of law
Kavitha claims that the summons issued to her violates Section 160 CrPC, which specifies that women cannot be required to appear as witnesses at any location other than their residence. She also alleges that the ED gave her very little notice to appear and refused her requests to be examined at her residence or to extend the examination date.
During the appearance, Kavitha alleged that the ED committed multiple illegal acts. She was forced to produce her cell phone even though she was summoned under Sections 50(2), 50(3) PMLA, which do not require the production of a mobile device. The ED then seized her phone and continued to interrogate her, a woman, after sunset. Kavitha also stated that no confrontation with any arrestee was conducted during the examination.
The Supreme Court's decision on Kavitha's plea is eagerly awaited by her supporters and critics alike, as it could have far-reaching implications for similar cases in the future.
MLC Kavitha questioned by ED
After 9 long hours of questioning, Kavitha Kalavakuntla-BRS MLC, and daughter of Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, was let off by the sleuths of the ED on March 11. However, her phone continues to be in the custody of the agency.
She has been summoned for the second time for questioning to unravel her alleged role in the Delhi Liquor Scam especially revolving around the South Cartel.
