In a significant development, the Delhi High Court has refused to grant bail to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Manish Sisodia in cases filed by both the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) related to corruption allegations surrounding the Delhi excise policy.
The court, in its verdict, criticized Sisodia for his alleged involvement in fabricating public feedback to frame a liquor policy that would enrich private individuals. According to the court, Sisodia orchestrated a deceptive scheme where pre-drafted emails containing specific suggestions were sent to the excise department under the guise of public comments, under his direction. This, the court noted, was an attempt to create the illusion of public participation in policy-making while benefiting select individuals.
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, presiding over the case, remarked, “The case involves great misuse of public power and breach of public trust by the applicant who was serving as the deputy chief minister of Delhi at the relevant point of time.”
The denial of bail comes shortly after the ED included AAP as an accused in a supplementary charge sheet, marking a significant escalation in the case. Sisodia had been arrested by the CBI on February 26, 2023, and by the ED on March 9, 2023.
Senior advocates Dayan Krishnan and Mohit Mathur represented Sisodia, while advocates Zoheb Hussain and Ripudaman Bhardwaj appeared for the ED and CBI, respectively.
In its ruling, the court noted that there had been no delay on the part of the prosecution or the trial court in the proceedings. Rejecting arguments for bail based solely on delay, the court emphasized that the merit of the case must be considered.
The court expressed concern over Sisodia’s alleged involvement in the destruction of crucial evidence and his potential influence on witnesses. However, it allowed Sisodia to visit his ailing wife once a week while in custody.
In response to the court’s decision, senior AAP leader Atishi denounced the case as a political conspiracy. She accused authorities of pressuring witnesses and conducting raids without recovering any incriminating evidence.
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