Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has declared a “victory” following the Supreme Court’s decision to grant bail to Manish Sisodia, who had been in custody for nearly 18 months. Sisodia, arrested by the CBI in February last year and subsequently by the Enforcement Directorate, secured bail on Friday after the Supreme Court criticized the lower court’s denial of his bail pleas.
AAP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha celebrated the ruling, stating, “The entire country is happy today as Manish Sisodia, hero of Delhi’s education revolution, got bail.” Similarly, Atishi, Delhi’s Education Minister, expressed hope for the release of AAP Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who has also been detained in the same case. Sanjay Singh, another senior AAP leader, called Sisodia’s release a “slap on the Centre’s dictatorship.”
The BJP, however, has urged caution. Virendra Sachdeva, Delhi BJP’s head, reminded that bail does not equate to freedom from charges, and investigations continue. BJP MP Yogendra Chandolia advised AAP not to get complacent, emphasizing that the case will proceed in court and that evidence against the accused remains a concern.
The Supreme Court, while granting bail, criticized the prolonged trial process and the conduct of federal agencies, pointing out that with 493 witnesses named, Sisodia’s trial may not conclude soon. The court noted that Sisodia should not have to face undue delays in securing bail, and questioned the progress of the investigation.
This ruling marks a significant moment in the ongoing political and legal battle involving Delhi’s top leaders.