Bilaspur. (09:05): Former IAS Anil Tuteja, accused in the liquor scam case, has challenged the FIR lodged by the ED. Senior Supreme Court advocate Siddharth Aggarwal argued on Tuteja’s behalf, while senior Supreme Court advocate Mahesh Jethmalani represented the government in the High Court on Wednesday. The debate from both sides remained inconclusive. The next hearing is scheduled for June after the summer vacation.
The Anti Corruption Bureau filed an FIR against Anil Tuteja and his son Yash Tuteja on January 17, 2024, against which they filed a criminal petition in the High Court. In the last hearing on April 1, the High Court single bench stayed any adverse action against the petitioners until further orders.
A Division Bench appeal was made to halt the investigation in this case. The High Court refused to grant adjournment and stated that 71 persons were registered under various sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and the Indian Penal Code. Since the FIRs relate to separate offences, the relief granted by the apex court will not apply in this case. The Division Bench directed not to take any coercive action against the petitioners until the next hearing, which is scheduled for May 8.
