On Tuesday, the Delhi High Court declined to grant bail to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Manish Sisodia in cases filed by both the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) concerning the Delhi excise policy.
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma dismissed Sisodia’s bail plea, citing a prima facie case of money laundering under Section 3 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) presented by the prosecution. The Court characterized Sisodia’s actions as a “great betrayal of democratic principles” and highlighted his involvement in the destruction of crucial evidence, including electronic data.
Moreover, considering Sisodia’s significant role in the Delhi government and his influential position as a senior leader of the AAP, the Court concluded that he had failed to justify his eligibility for bail.
The Court condemned Sisodia’s alleged use of deceptive tactics to fabricate public support for the Delhi excise policy, which was purportedly designed to benefit specific individuals, amounting to corruption and a breach of public trust.
While acknowledging that the trial’s delay couldn’t be blamed solely on the CBI and ED, the Court disagreed with the trial court’s assertion that all accused parties collaborated to prolong the proceedings.
Sisodia has been in custody since February 26, 2023, facing investigations by both the CBI and ED regarding the Delhi excise policy, which alleges collusion among Delhi government officials to grant liquor licenses in exchange for bribes.
The trial court previously denied Sisodia’s bail petitions in both the CBI and ED cases, prompting his appeal to the High Court. This marks the second attempt by Sisodia to seek bail, following previous rejections in 2023, which were upheld by the Supreme Court.
Despite the Supreme Court’s indication that Sisodia could reapply for bail if the trial progressed slowly, his subsequent bail pleas were also dismissed by the trial court, leading to his latest appeal before the Delhi High Court.
