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In a major relief for Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, the Rouse Avenue Court acquitted both leaders in the Delhi excise policy case, stating there was no evidence of conspiracy.
Kejriwal, Sisodia Cleared of Allegations in High-Profile Excise Case
New Delhi: In a major verdict in Delhi's controversial excise (liquor) policy case, the Rouse Avenue Court acquitted former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia. The court clearly stated that sufficient evidence of alleged conspiracy or corruption was not presented in the case, and therefore, the charges are not proven.
While delivering the verdict, the court also questioned the investigation process. The court stated that the investigating officer failed to present the facts accurately. The judge remarked that this was the first time he had seen a charge sheet with so many flaws. The court stated that there was insufficient evidence against accused numbers 8 and 18, Manish Sisodia and Arvind Kejriwal, to prove the charges against them.
Emotional scenes were witnessed in the courtroom upon the pronouncement of the verdict. Both leaders embraced their lawyers. This decision is being considered a major legal relief for them.
The opposition had made serious allegations against the Delhi government's new excise policy. The allegation was that the policy provided unfair benefits to certain private companies. At that time, Manish Sisodia held the Excise Department and was made the main accused. Sisodia spent a long time in jail in this case.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed cases in this matter. The ED arrested Arvind Kejriwal on March 21, 2024, when he was the Chief Minister of Delhi. He was later granted bail on July 13, 2024. A total of 23 people were charged in the case. However, several accused were granted bail over time.
This court decision is being considered a major victory for the Aam Aadmi Party. The party maintains that this case was politically motivated from the very beginning. Legal experts believe that if the investigating agencies wish, they can challenge this decision in the High Court. Currently, this decision has sparked a new debate in Delhi politics.
