Supreme Court Directs Bhupesh Baghel to Approach High Court in Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam Case

The Supreme Court has instructed former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and his son Chaitanya Baghel to seek relief from the Chhattisgarh High Court regarding the money laundering investigation linked to the state's liquor scam. A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi urged the High Court to expedite the resolution of the case. In relation to the constitutional validity of the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) concerning the powers of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for investigation and arrest, the apex court has asked the petitioners to file a new petition in the Supreme Court, which will be considered on August 6.

 

According to the ED, the scam has caused a loss of over ₹2,161 crores to the state treasury. The alleged illegal syndicate operated through the Chhattisgarh State Marketing Corporation Limited (CSMCL), accepting bribes from liquor manufacturers in exchange for market share. The illicit practices reportedly included off-the-books sales of indigenous liquor through government outlets, manipulation of the FL-10A license for foreign liquor trade, and cartel-like market practices to launder the substantial earnings from these crimes.

 

The ED has named several prominent individuals in this scandal, including Anwar Dheber and former bureaucrat Anil Tuteja. Former Excise Minister Kawasi Lakma has also been accused of allegedly receiving regular bribes. To date, assets worth ₹205 crores have been seized in connection with this case. The Congress party has strongly condemned these arrests, labeling them as "an open act of political vendetta." Party leaders assert that the BJP-led central government is misusing investigative agencies to target opposition leaders and influence the upcoming electoral outcomes in Chhattisgarh.