National desk
14 January
Sandeep Dhand
Journalist
Nutritionist And Health Educator
The Delhi High Court on Monday criticized the state government for delaying the presentation of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report on the excise policy in the Assembly. Justice Sachin Dutta remarked that the government’s actions create “doubts about its intentions.”
The court was hearing a plea filed by BJP MLAs, who argued that the report should have been immediately tabled for discussion in the Assembly. Justice Dutta pointed out that the government should have promptly sent the CAG report to the Assembly Speaker and ensured it was debated in the House.
Expressing dissatisfaction, Justice Dutta said, “The manner in which you have taken a step back, creates doubts about your words. You should have immediately sent the report to the Assembly Speaker and had it discussed in the House. Look, the way you are taking a step back, it is unfortunate.”
The court’s observations have intensified the debate around the government’s handling of the excise policy. The matter has now been scheduled for a detailed hearing on January 16. Meanwhile, opposition leaders are questioning the government’s transparency and accountability in addressing the issues flagged in the CAG report.