A Delhi court on Monday permitted BRS leader and Rajya Sabha MP K Kavitha to travel to the United States between August 16 and September 2, rejecting objections raised by central investigating agencies in connection with the Delhi excise policy case.
Kavitha is an accused in corruption and money laundering cases related to the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy introduced during the previous AAP government. She had filed applications seeking release of her passport and permission to travel abroad.
Special Judge Dig Vinay Singh observed that the right to travel abroad is a fundamental facet of the right to life and personal liberty guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.
“There is no reason why the applicant should be deprived of that right, having considered all facts and circumstances, including the fact that she is out on bail in both matters,” the court said.
The CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had opposed her plea, expressing concerns that Kavitha might flee justice. However, the court rejected this apprehension, citing her position as a Member of Parliament and her “deep roots in society.”
The court also noted that similar permission had been granted earlier on May 3, and during that period, Kavitha had not misused the liberty nor committed any act that could prejudice the trial.
Kavitha was granted bail by the Supreme Court on August 27 last year, with one of the conditions being that she must deposit her passport with the trial court. The current order allows the release of her passport temporarily, subject to the same terms and conditions as the previous order.
