Manish Sisodia’s Bail Plea Hearing Preponed In Delhi Excise Policy Case

Amidst controversies lingering around Delhi’s excise policy case and money laundering case under the central agencies CBI and ED, a Delhi court has moved the hearing of the bail plea of former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia to an earlier date.  Special Judge Kaveri Baweja of the Rouse Avenue Court, upon reviewing the submissions, rescheduled the matter for April 2, 2024, instead of the previously set date of April 4. This decision comes after the court deferred the hearing on the bail application twice, with the most recent adjournment scheduled for April 4.

Manish Sisodia has applied to have his bail hearing moved up to April 1, 2024. Initially, Special Judge MK Nagpal was handling the case, but he was transferred to Tis Hazari Court on March 19. The CBI opposed the bail plea on March 18, citing concerns about potential interference with the ongoing investigation and the possibility of arresting high-profile individuals.

Senior advocate Mohit Mathur advocated for Sisodia’s bail, asserting that he meets the criteria established by the Supreme Court and underscoring the absence of financial losses to the exchequer or any private individuals. Mathur also emphasized the stagnant progress in the trial proceedings, despite the submission of charge sheets and the testimony of over 400 witnesses.

Assistant Public Prosecutor Pankaj Gupta objected to the bail plea, pointing out the delays attributed to the accused in the trial proceedings. The CBI APP reiterated worries regarding possible interference with the investigation and urged for the rejection of the bail application.