On Friday, the Supreme Court granted bail to former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in the scrapped 2021-22 excise policy case. The CBI and ED had registered cases against Sisodia following over seven hours of questioning related to alleged irregularities in implementing the policy. A bench of Justices B.R. Gavai and K.V. Viswanathan acknowledged Sisodia’s right to a speedy trial, noting his 17-month incarceration and the ongoing delay in starting the trial.
Background of the Case
The CBI arrested Manish Sisodia on February 23 in connection with alleged corruption in the formulation and implementation of the now-scrapped 2021-22 excise policy. CBI officers questioned the Deputy Chief Minister on various aspects of the policy, including his alleged links with Dinesh Arora and others involved. Dissatisfied with Sisodia’s responses, the CBI arrested him, prompting sharp reactions from AAP leaders.
The CBI later filed a 2,000-page chargesheet against Sisodia in the excise policy case. According to sources, the court will take cognizance of the chargesheet at a later date. Of the 2,000 pages, 271 detail the investigations carried out against Sisodia, who was also the excise minister when the policy was framed.
Supreme Court Judgement
Justice Gavai, who granted bail to Manish Sisodia, noted that “there is not even the remotest possibility” of the trial concluding soon. He emphasized that the purpose of denying bail is to ensure the defendant’s attendance at trial, and in this case, Sisodia is not a flight risk, as he has “deep roots” in the country.
The court also dismissed the prosecution’s objections. First, in response to the argument that the case should be heard by the trial court, the court stated that a citizen should not be made to run “from pillar to post” for relief. Second, the court rejected the claim that delays were caused by Sisodia’s repeated applications, noting that all were permitted by the trial court and none were deemed “frivolous.”
Manish Sisodia Bail Implications
The Supreme Court judges who granted bail to Manish Sisodia in the excise policy case ordered him to pay ₹10 lakh in bail bonds. Sisodia is also required to surrender his passport to the court, report to the police station every Monday, and must not tamper with evidence or influence witnesses.
While AAP leaders and supporters celebrated by playing music and exchanging sweets after Sisodia’s bail, Swati Maliwal expressed her happiness on Twitter, writing, “I am very happy with Manish ji’s release. I hope he will now take the lead and steer the government in the right direction.”
The Supreme Court’s decision to grant bail to Manish Sisodia in the 2021-22 excise policy case is a pivotal moment in this ongoing legal battle. Despite serious allegations and extensive investigations that led to his 17-month incarceration, the Court prioritized Sisodia’s right to a speedy trial, finding no valid reason to keep him in custody. The bail conditions, including surrendering his passport and regular police reporting, aim to uphold the integrity of the proceedings. As Sisodia reenters public life, AAP leaders and supporters express hope for his continued leadership, even as the legal process continues.
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