In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court has granted bail to former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in the CBI and ED cases against him for his alleged role in the Delhi excise policy matter. The court noted the extensive delays and the unlikelihood of a speedy trial, in addition to the fact that Sisodia has been incarcerated for around 17 months. It found no error in the judgments of the trial court and Delhi High Court, but disagreed with their assessment that Sisodia was responsible for the delay.
Supreme Court Grants Bail to Manish Sisodia in Delhi Excise Policy Case: A Timeline of Events
Background:
Manish Sisodia, the former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in May 2022 in connection with alleged irregularities in the Delhi excise policy. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) also filed a money laundering case against him. Sisodia has denied any wrongdoing.
Supreme Court Ruling:
On February 24, 2023, the Supreme Court granted interim bail to Sisodia in both the CBI and ED cases. The court held that there was no justification for keeping him in custody beyond eight weeks, as per the guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court in the Arnesh Kumar case.
The court noted that Sisodia had been incarcerated for around 17 months and that there was a lack of evidence to support the allegation that he was responsible for the delay in the investigation and trial.
FAQs:
1. What are the allegations against Manish Sisodia?
Sisodia is accused of involvement in alleged irregularities in the Delhi excise policy, which was implemented in November 2021. The allegations include granting undue favors to liquor companies, extending licenses without permission, and manipulating data to favor certain businesses.
2. Why was Sisodia arrested?
Sisodia was arrested by the CBI on May 27, 2022, after he refused to cooperate with the investigation. He was remanded to judicial custody and has been in jail since then.
3. What are the arguments made by the prosecution?
The prosecution has argued that Sisodia was the "mastermind" behind the excise policy irregularities and that he conspired with other officials to grant undue favors to liquor companies.
4. What are the arguments made by Sisodia's defense?
Sisodia's defense has argued that he is innocent and that the allegations against him are politically motivated. They have also raised concerns about the conduct of the investigation and the fairness of the trial.
5. What is likely to happen next in the case?
Following the Supreme Court's grant of bail, Sisodia is expected to be released from prison soon. The trial in the case is ongoing in the special CBI court in Delhi.
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