India, Feb. 28 -- The role of an accused-turned-approver in the excise policy case investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) came under sharp scrutiny on Friday, as a Delhi court criticised the agency for violating legal principles and belatedly recording statements to suit its theory of an overarching conspiracy.

Special judge Jitendra Singh of Rouse Avenue Courts questioned the manner in which the statement of Dinesh Arora - an accused who was granted pardon and turned approver - was recorded on at least four occasions. The court observed that repeat instances of recording Arora's statement raised concerns about the fairness and propriety of the process.

In criminal law, an accused may be tendered pardon on the conditi...