Delhi court discharges Kejriwal, Sisodia in liquor policy ‘scam’

Jamshedpur: In a massive blow to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), a Delhi court on Friday cleared former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy CM Manish Sisodia of all charges in the high-profile liquor policy case.

The Rouse Avenue Court dismissed the case, ruling that prosecutors failed to provide enough evidence to prove a criminal conspiracy.

⚖️ The Court’s Decision

Judge [Name] allowed the discharge plea after reviewing the CBI’s findings. The court’s primary conclusions include:

• Lack of Evidence: Investigators produced no proof of a criminal offence.
• No Conspiracy: The court found no grounds to support claims of a secret “kickback” agreement.
• Refusal to Frame Charges: Because the evidence fell short, the court stopped the trial before it could formally begin.

🔍 Behind the ‘Liquor Scam’ Allegations

The CBI originally accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership of accepting bribes from a “South Group” cartel. They claimed the Delhi government’s 2021–22 Excise Policy favored specific liquor licensees in exchange for policy concessions.

While the government eventually withdrew the policy, the legal battle saw both Kejriwal and Sisodia spend months in custody.

⏳ A Long Road to Relief

Today’s ruling follows a string of legal victories for the AAP leaders:

• August 2024: The Supreme Court granted Manish Sisodia bail after 17 months in jail, citing his right to a speedy trial.
• September 2024: The top court granted Arvind Kejriwal bail, emphasizing that “Personal Liberty” remains a fundamental right under Article 21.

💡 Why “Discharge” Matters

Unlike “Bail,” which only allows a person to stay out of jail during a trial, a Discharge means the court believes there isn’t enough evidence to even hold a trial.

The Takeaway: This ruling effectively halts the CBI’s corruption case against Kejriwal and Sisodia, marking a significant political turning point for the Aam Aadmi Party.

📊 Case Summary at a Glance