Prima facie erroneous: Delhi HC stays trial court order for action against CBI IO in excise case

NEW DELHI: (Mar 10) The Delhi High Court on Monday stayed a trial court recommendation on initiation of departmental action against the CBI's investigating officer in the excise policy case and sought the stand of former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and 22 others on a petition by the agency challenging their discharge in the matter.

Issuing notice to all 23 accused, Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma said certain observations and findings of the trial court at the stage of framing of charges "prima facie appear erroneous and need consideration".

Justice Sharma further said the reasons given for passing "scathing remarks" against the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) official, including that he abused his official position to conduct an unfair investigation, were "prima facie foundationally misconceived, especially when made at the stage of charge itself".