The Supreme Court of India reserved its judgment on Tuesday regarding the bail pleas of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Manish Sisodia, who faces charges in connection with the alleged Delhi excise policy scam.
The decision to withhold judgment follows the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) opposition to Sisodia’s bail application. On Monday, the ED argued against granting bail, presenting evidence that purportedly demonstrates Sisodia’s substantial involvement in the alleged scandal surrounding the Delhi excise policy.
Sisodia, who previously served as Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, has been seeking bail in two separate cases—one involving corruption and the other related to money laundering. His legal team contends that his prolonged detention, which has now lasted 17 months, is unjustified, especially as the trial has yet to commence.
The legal troubles for Sisodia began when the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested him on February 26, 2023, in connection with the liquor policy case. Following this, the ED detained him on March 9, 2023, in relation to a money laundering case linked to the initial CBI FIR.
The Supreme Court’s pending decision on Sisodia’s bail applications is anticipated to have significant implications for the ongoing investigations and the political landscape. The outcome will be closely watched by both legal analysts and political observers.
