New Delhi: A Delhi court has allowed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) additional time to file its response to an application filed by K Kavitha, opposing the order permitting the agency to question her during judicial custody in connection with the defunct Delhi excise policy case.

K Kavitha, a leader of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), was apprehended by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 15 in connection with the same case and has been in judicial custody at Tihar Jail since March 26. Special judge Kaveri Baweja recently granted the CBI permission to interrogate Kavitha sometime during the following week.

In her application, Kavitha requested that the order be held in abeyance until she receives a copy of the CBI's application and has the opportunity to respond.

The CBI, on Friday, sought authorization from the court to question Kavitha while she is in judicial custody. The agency cited WhatsApp conversations obtained from her chartered accountant's phone, along with documents and phones recovered during the investigation, as grounds for interrogation.

Kavitha's application, presented through her legal representatives, contended that the CBI's application was submitted without her prior knowledge and may have omitted or misrepresented certain facts relevant to the case.

Representing Kavitha, senior advocate Vikram Chaudhari, alongside advocates Nitesh Rana and Deepak Nagar, argued for the preservation of the status quo until they could present their case to the court.

The special public prosecutor representing the CBI requested additional time to respond to Kavitha's application.

Despite Kavitha's plea for interim relief suspending the execution of the order, the court declined to grant such relief and scheduled further hearings for April 10.

Kavitha had previously filed a regular bail application, which remains pending before the court. Additionally, an interim bail application is awaiting the court's decision on April 8.

Apart from facing scrutiny from the ED, Kavitha is also the subject of a CBI investigation. The agency had issued summons to her in February in connection with the excise policy case, but she did not appear, citing an exemption granted by the Supreme Court.

Although Kavitha has not been formally charged in any of the six ED charge sheets filed thus far, court documents have identified her as a significant figure in the alleged bribery scheme known as the "South Group." This scheme purportedly involved paying kickbacks to AAP leaders in exchange for favorable treatment in securing retail zones under the Delhi excise policy.

The Delhi government's excise policy for 2021-22 came under scrutiny, prompting a recommendation by Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena for a CBI investigation into alleged irregularities, ultimately leading to its cancellation.

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