Delhi excise policy: Court denies bail to Manish Sisodia in CBI case

The Rouse Avenue Court on Friday denied bail to former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) case involving alleged irregularities in the formulation and implementation of the Union Territory government’s excise policy.

Manish Sisodia’s bail application was denied by Special Judge MK Nagpal. He is currently in judicial prison and is due to appear in court on April 3, 2023. The court reserved the verdict on the bail application last week after the CBI’s counsel presented brief written submissions and judgments on the last date of the hearing, as directed by the court. The CBI also provided case file details and witness testimony on the subject.

Sisodia argued in his bail petition filed before a trial court that keeping him in detention would serve no useful purpose because all recoveries in the case had already been achieved.

Sisodia further indicated that he participated in the probe as needed by the CBI. The other accused persons detained in this matter have already been granted bail, according to Sisodia, who further emphasized that he held the key constitutional job of constable CM of Delhi and has deep roots in society. However, in view of his detention in the liquor policy issue, Sisodia later tendered his resignation as deputy CM.

The CBI, represented by advocate DP Singh, opposed Sisodia’s bail plea stating, “If he is granted bail this will scuttle and compromise our investigation as the influence and interference are writ large,” CBI said.

The agency also alleged that Sisodia said he destroyed phones to upgrade, although nothing of the sort occurred. “He did this, according to us, to damage the chat. He (Manish Sisodia) may not be a flight risk, but he is a clear risk who will destroy evidence, which cannot be overlooked “The CBI also objected to Sisodia’s bail request.

The CBI further stated that the South Group was in Oberoi between March 14 and 17, 2021 and that they produced a note and took a printout.

“They got 36 pages of photocopies. There were meetings and a printout was made. We have evidence to show that clauses were given and a report was prepared,” the CBI stated.

Previously, the Rouse Avenue Court, while sending Sisodia to CBI detention, directed that the accused’s interrogation during the remand period be conducted at a location with CCTV coverage, in conformity with Supreme Court standards, and that the film be retained by the CBI.

Sisodia was arrested as part of an ongoing inquiry into suspected irregularities in the formulation and implementation of the Government of the National Capital Region of Delhi’s excise policy.

Previously, the trial court noted that the accused had previously participated in the investigation of this case on two occasions, but he had failed to provide satisfactory answers to most of the questions posed to him during his examination and interrogation, thus failing to legitimately explain the incriminating evidence allegedly discovered against him during the investigation.