In a significant legal development, former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister and prominent Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Manish Sisodia has approached the Delhi High Court seeking bail in connection with the Delhi excise policy case. Sisodia’s plea for bail encompasses both the money laundering case registered by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the case registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Sisodia’s bail plea was initially rejected by a Delhi court on April 30, prompting his recourse to the High Court for redress. The High Court has slated his plea for hearing on Friday, May 3, after it was mentioned for urgent consideration.
Since February 26, 2023, Sisodia has remained in custody as investigations by both the CBI and the ED continue into the Delhi excise policy case. The case revolves around allegations of collusion among Delhi government officials to grant liquor licenses to select traders in exchange for illicit favors. Authorities suspect that certain officials manipulated the excise policy to favor specific liquor vendors.
This recent denial of bail marks the second instance where Sisodia’s pleas for release have been rebuffed by the trial court. His initial bail application in the CBI case was turned down on March 31, 2023, followed by the rejection of his bail plea in the ED case on April 28 of the same year.
Despite subsequent appeals to both the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court, Sisodia’s earlier bail rejections were upheld. Notwithstanding legal setbacks, he persistently pursued his right to seek bail, initiating a second round of plea submissions before the trial court, albeit to no avail.
The upcoming hearing before the Delhi High Court represents a pivotal juncture in Sisodia’s legal battle, as he seeks reprieve from the custodial confines amidst ongoing investigations and judicial scrutiny. The outcome of this hearing will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the trajectory of the Delhi excise policy case and Sisodia’s legal standing within it.