The Supreme Court granted bail to Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Friday in connection with the Delhi excise policy case.
In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court has granted regular bail to Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in connection with the Delhi excise policy case. This decision comes after Sisodia spent 17 months in jail.
A bench consisting of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan granted bail to Sisodia, setting conditions that include a bail bond of ₹10 lakh with two sureties, the surrendering of his passport, and reporting twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays to the Investigating Officer. The court has also instructed Sisodia not to attempt to influence witnesses or tamper with evidence.
The Supreme Court had reserved its order on this case on August 6. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) had argued that the petition was premature, contending that Sisodia should have first sought relief from the trial court.
The Supreme Court’s decision to grant bail reflects ongoing concerns about the length of the legal process and Sisodia’s extended detention. The case highlights the challenges faced in legal proceedings involving high-profile figures and complex cases.
This ruling marks the third time Sisodia had approached the Supreme Court for bail. Previously, on October 30 of last year, the top court denied bail but allowed Sisodia the option to renew his plea if the trial did not progress within a reasonable time frame. As the trial faced delays, Sisodia sought bail again on grounds of the protracted legal process. The Delhi High Court rejected his plea on May 21, prompting Sisodia to approach the Supreme Court once more in June.
(This is a developing story. Stay tuned for updates.)
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