The Supreme Court of India on Friday granted bail to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Manish Sisodia in the controversial excise policy case. The decision was delivered by a bench comprising Justices B.R. Gavai and K.V. Viswanathan, who imposed several conditions on Sisodia’s release, including the surrender of his passport and a directive not to influence witnesses.
This ruling comes as a response to Sisodia’s appeal challenging the Delhi High Court’s earlier dismissal of his bail plea in cases being investigated by both the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
During the proceedings, Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju, representing the probe agencies, expressed concerns about potential witness tampering and highlighted evidence suggesting destruction of phone records by Sisodia. The prosecution also accused the former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister of filing unrelated applications to delay the trial process.
In Sisodia’s defense, Senior Advocate A.M. Singhvi argued that his client had already spent 17 months in custody, nearly half of the minimum possible sentence for the alleged offenses. Singhvi also countered allegations regarding profit margins, stating that cabinet decisions were made after consultations with numerous officials, including the then Lieutenant Governor.
He further added that there is evidence pointing to his involvement. He further said that he was deputy Chief Minister with 18 portfolios and responsible for all cabinet decisions.
On June 4, the top court also gave him the liberty to revive his prayer afresh after filing the final charge sheet.
In February 2023, Sisodia was arrested by the CBI for alleged irregularities in the framing and implementation of now-scrapped Delhi’s new excise policy.
The policy was withdrawn amid allegations of foul play by the opposition. Sisodia is currently in judicial custody.
According to the CBI, Sisodia had played the most vital role in the criminal conspiracy and he had been deeply involved in the formulation as well as the implementation of the said policy to ensure the achievement of the objectives of the said conspiracy.
(Inputs from ANI)