Delhi court reserves verdict on K Kavitha's bail in laundering case.

The Rouse Avenue Courts in Delhi witnessed a pivotal hearing on Thursday as Special Judge Kaveri Baweja reserved her order on the interim bail plea filed by K Kavitha, a Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader. Kavitha is embroiled in a money laundering case linked to the Delhi excise policy scam.

Kavitha argued for bail under the proviso to Section 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Singhvi contended that despite the stringent conditions imposed under the PMLA for bail, the court has discretionary powers to grant bail to women accused, as per the proviso.

Background of the Case

Singhvi further highlighted the emotional distress faced by Kavitha's son, who is currently undergoing exams and requires his mother's support. He drew attention to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's public addresses regarding the pressure students face during exams and asserted that a mother's emotional support is irreplaceable.

However, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) vehemently opposed Kavitha's bail plea, arguing that the proviso to Section 45 of the PMLA is intended for women lacking agency, not for public figures like Kavitha. Advocate Zoheb Hossain, representing the ED, emphasized Kavitha's significant role in the alleged bribery scheme under the Delhi excise policy. Hossain contended that Kavitha, as one of the main accused, had benefited through proxies and was involved in destroying crucial evidence, including data on her mobile phone.

Hossain further alleged that Kavitha's release on interim bail could potentially derail the ongoing investigation, as the ED claims to be on the brink of a breakthrough. He raised concerns about witness tampering and evidence destruction, indicating that granting bail to Kavitha may hinder the probe's progress.

Regarding Kavitha's son's exams, the ED argued that he has already completed seven out of twelve papers and has the support of his father and elder brother. They dismissed Singhvi's arguments about emotional support, stating that these were general claims without substantive evidence of anxiety disorders or specific needs.

The court reserved its verdict on Kavitha's interim bail plea, with the judgment scheduled for Monday, April 8.

Kavitha's arrest on March 15, following a raid by the ED at her premises in Hyderabad, marked a significant development in the Delhi excise policy case. She joins a list of high-profile politicians implicated in the scandal, including Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia.