Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia Cleared of All Charges in Delhi Excise Policy Case
In a significant legal development, former Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo Arvind Kejriwal was acquitted of all charges by the Rouse Avenue court on Friday. The verdict, delivered by Special Judge Jitendra Singh, also discharged his long-time deputy Manish Sisodia, marking a major victory for the AAP leadership.
Kejriwal's Emotional Reaction to the Verdict
Speaking to reporters outside the court premises, Kejriwal hailed the judgment as a triumph of truth, becoming visibly emotional during his address. He stated, "Truth always wins," and reflected on the prolonged legal battle, saying, "Mud was thrown at us." Kejriwal accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of orchestrating a conspiracy against AAP, alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah targeted the party's top leaders.
He elaborated, "For the past few years, the way BJP has been accusing us in the Delhi excise policy case, today the court has rejected all the allegations levelled against us. We have always said that the truth wins... PM Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah conspired against AAP and arrested the party's five biggest leaders. A sitting CM was arrested. We were accused and called corrupt in every channel. Kejriwal is not corrupt. I have only earned honesty. The court has said today that Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and AAP are honest."
Background of the Case and Investigation
The case, investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), revolved around corruption charges linked to the Delhi excise policy. Both Kejriwal and Sisodia had served time in Tihar Jail during the investigation, highlighting the severity of the allegations. Kejriwal had even submitted his resignation to the Delhi Lieutenant Governor over the charges, leading to a political transition where his government was succeeded by the BJP under Rekha Gupta.
The AAP government faced serious accusations, with several high-profile figures from the party being imprisoned. The acquittal now clears their names, potentially reshaping the political landscape in Delhi. The verdict underscores the court's dismissal of the corruption claims, reinforcing AAP's stance on integrity and honesty in public service.
This ruling not only vindicates Kejriwal and Sisodia but also sets a precedent for future political cases, emphasizing the importance of judicial scrutiny in allegations of misconduct. As the news spreads, it is expected to spark discussions on political accountability and the role of investigative agencies in India's democratic framework.
