In a significant legal development, the Rouse Avenue Court on Friday acquitted former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in the corruption case related to the excise policy. Special Judge Jitendra Singh passed the order, refusing to take cognizance of the chargesheet filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Along with Kejriwal and Sisodia, the court acquitted all 23 accused individuals named in the case. The decision led to emotional scenes in the courtroom, where Kejriwal was seen hugging Sisodia following the announcement of the verdict. The court's refusal to proceed with the chargesheet marks a major turning point in the long-standing legal battle.
Judicial Observations and Refusal of Cognizance
Special Judge Jitendra Singh, while delivering the judgment, noted that the chargesheet submitted by the CBI contained several deficiencies that weren't supported by the evidence on record. The court observed that the material placed before it didn't provide sufficient grounds to proceed with a trial against the accused. Under the legal framework, a trial can't commence unless the court takes formal cognizance of the chargesheet. In this instance, the court found that the allegations against Kejriwal, who was listed as accused number 18, and Sisodia lacked the necessary evidentiary backing. Consequently, the court discharged all the accused, dealing a substantial blow to the CBI's investigation into the alleged irregularities.
Emotional Scenes at Rouse Avenue Court
Following the acquittal, Arvind Kejriwal became visibly emotional inside the courtroom. Witnesses reported that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener hugged Manish Sisodia and broke into tears. Addressing the media later, Kejriwal stated that the court's decision had vindicated their stand against what he described as a smear campaign, while he expressed his unwavering faith in the Indian judiciary, noting that the truth had finally prevailed after years of legal scrutiny. The emotional outburst reflected the personal and political toll the case had taken on the leadership of the Aam Aadmi Party over the past two years.
Allegations of Political Conspiracy
Arvind Kejriwal launched a scathing attack on the central government, alleging that the entire excise policy case was a fabricated conspiracy aimed at dismantling the Aam Aadmi Party. He pointed out that five of the party's top leaders were arrested in an attempt to paralyze the organization. Kejriwal emphasized that labeling a sitting Chief Minister as corrupt across national media platforms was part of a calculated political vendetta. He asserted that his only asset in life is his honesty and that the court's verdict has proven that he and his colleagues are 'Kattar Imandar' (staunchly honest). He further stated that the case was built on hollow foundations to obstruct the work being done by his government.
Manish Sisodia on Constitutional Integrity
Former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia expressed his gratitude to the judiciary and stated that the verdict has restored pride in the country's Constitution. Sisodia, who spent a significant amount of time in custody during the investigation, said that today's outcome is a victory for the people of Delhi. He remarked that while truth can be troubled, it can never be defeated. Sisodia alleged that central agencies were misused to target political opponents, but the judicial system ensured that justice was served. He reiterated his commitment to public service, stating that the party would continue its work with renewed vigor following this legal clearance.
Background and Timeline of the Investigation
The controversy surrounding the Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22 began after a report by the Delhi Chief Secretary alleged procedural lapses and financial irregularities. Based on this report, the Lieutenant Governor recommended a CBI probe. The CBI alleged that the policy was designed to favor certain liquor traders in exchange for kickbacks. Manish Sisodia was arrested in February 2023, followed by several other party officials and business associates. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) also initiated a parallel money laundering investigation, while however, the court's refusal to take cognizance of the CBI's chargesheet today effectively halts the corruption proceedings against the primary political figures in this specific case.