In a latest development, the Rajya Sabha Chairman has declined permission for AAP leader Sanjay Singh to take oath as a Member of Parliament (MP). The Chairman stated that the matter is currently under consideration by the Privileges Committee, as reported by news agency ANI.
Sanjay Singh, who has been facing charges in the Delhi Excise Policy money laundering case, had earlier sought permission from the Rouse Avenue court to allow him to take the oath even while in judicial custody. However, the Rajya Sabha Chairman’s decision adds a layer of complexity to the situation.
The Rouse Avenue court, earlier on Saturday, had granted permission to Singh to take the oath as an MP. However, the subsequent denial of permission by the Rajya Sabha Chairman raises questions about the parliamentary privileges of a member facing legal charges.
Sanjay Singh’s legal troubles stem from his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on October 4 in connection with the Delhi Excise Policy money laundering case. The ED has accused Singh of being part of a conspiracy to collect kickbacks from liquor groups in the Delhi excise policy for the year 2021-22.
The AAP leader, who was suspended from Rajya Sabha on July 22, 2023, for “repeatedly violating the directions of the chair,” has been seeking various legal reliefs. Special Judge M. K. Nagpal had allowed Singh’s request to take the oath in judicial custody, and he withdrew the plea seeking interim bail to attend the ongoing Parliament session and to take the oath. It was submitted that he has to appear before a court in Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh, on February 7.
The court, in addition to allowing the oath-taking, extended the judicial custody of both Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh until February 17.
The Delhi Excise Policy case revolves around allegations that the Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government’s excise policy for 2021-22 allowed cartelization and favored certain dealers who allegedly paid bribes. The AAP strongly refutes these charges, asserting that the policy was transparent and fair.
The legal proceedings against Sanjay Singh are part of a larger investigation by the ED, which has undertaken over 200 search operations in connection with the case. The allegations involve violations of anti-corruption laws and causing losses to the state exchequer.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the Privileges Committee and the legal proceedings will impact Sanjay Singh’s parliamentary responsibilities and his standing within the Aam Aadmi Party.
