Delhi Court Discharges Kejriwal and Sisodia in Liquor Policy Case
In a significant legal development, a Delhi court on Friday discharged former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his former deputy Manish Sisodia in the high-profile liquor excise policy case. The Rouse Avenue Court refused to take cognizance of the CBI chargesheet, delivering a verdict that sparked emotional celebrations at the Kejriwal household.
Court Cites Lack of Evidence and "No Criminal Intent"
The court meticulously examined the evidence presented by the Central Bureau of Investigation and concluded that the allegations failed to meet the threshold for framing charges. In its detailed observation, the bench noted that the "alleged central conspiratorial role could not be substantiated" and that the conspiracy theory "cannot survive against one constitutional authority."
Specifically regarding Sisodia, the court found "no criminal intent" on his part and declared that the allegations had "failed judicial scrutiny." The court further emphasized that the framing of the excise policy was conducted through proper institutional safeguards, leaving no doubt about the policy's formulation process.
Emotional Homecoming After Legal Battle
The atmosphere at Kejriwal's residence transformed into one of jubilation as both leaders returned home following the court's decision. Family members and supporters greeted them with bouquets, tight embraces, and emotional scenes that marked the end of months of intense legal proceedings.
Arvind Kejriwal was welcomed by his wife Sunita Kejriwal and their children, who embraced him warmly upon his arrival. Similarly, Manish Sisodia was surrounded by party colleagues and well-wishers who congratulated him on the favorable verdict. The celebratory mood reflected the relief felt by the Aam Aadmi Party leadership after what they described as a politically motivated case.
Kejriwal's Reaction: "Truth Always Prevails"
Speaking to supporters after the verdict, an emotional Arvind Kejriwal expressed his faith in the judicial system while maintaining that the case represented a political conspiracy. "Today, the court has discharged all accused in this case. We always said that truth emerges victorious," Kejriwal stated.
He further alleged that "Amit Shah and Modi ji together hatched the biggest political conspiracy to finish AAP" and that five prominent party leaders had been jailed as part of this effort. Kejriwal emphasized his personal integrity, declaring "Kejriwal is not corrupt. I have only earned honesty in my life. Today, the court has said that Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and AAP are honest."
Sunita Kejriwal took to social media to share her thoughts, writing: "In this world, no matter how powerful one becomes, one cannot rise above Shiva Shakti. Truth always prevails."
Legal Perspective and Case Background
Kejriwal's counsel, Vivek Jain, explained that the court had thoroughly reviewed all evidence submitted by the CBI and found no substantiation for the allegations. "The court has said that it meticulously went through all evidence produced by CBI and not a shred of allegation can be said to cross the threshold of charge," Jain noted.
The CBI had initially filed its chargesheet in 2022, followed by multiple supplementary chargesheets, alleging that a "south lobby" paid approximately Rs 100 crore to influence the now-scrapped excise policy. A total of 23 individuals were named in the chargesheets, including both Kejriwal and Sisodia, all of whom have now been cleared by the court's decision.
The verdict represents a significant legal victory for the Aam Aadmi Party leadership and raises questions about the investigation's foundations. The court's detailed observations regarding institutional safeguards in policy formulation and the lack of criminal intent establish important legal precedents for similar cases involving public officials.
