New Delhi, March 9 -- The Delhi High Court on Monday stayed the operation of adverse remarks made against the investigating agency and the investigating officer in the trial court's order that discharged all 23 accused in the Delhi Excise Policy case. The Court also directed the trial court to defer proceedings in the connected PMLA case until the matter is heard further by the High Court.

Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma passed the directions while hearing an appeal filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) challenging the discharge order. The court also issued notice to the other side, as none appeared on behalf of the respondents during the hearing.

During the proceedings, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the CBI, to...