Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia Cleared In Delhi Liquor Policy Case; Court Pulls Up CBI
New Delhi:
A Delhi court on Thursday cleared former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in the alleged excise policy corruption case, observing that there was no overarching conspiracy or criminal intent behind the formulation of the 2021–22 liquor policy.
In a strongly worded order, the court said the prosecution failed to establish a central conspiratorial role attributed to the two leaders. “There was no overarching conspiracy or criminal intent in the excise policy,” the court noted, adding that the allegations did not withstand judicial scrutiny.
Court Questions Conspiracy Claims
During the hearing, the court remarked that the theory of a broad conspiracy could not be sustained against a constitutional authority without credible and substantive evidence. It observed that the charges levelled against Kejriwal and Sisodia lacked sufficient proof to demonstrate criminal wrongdoing in the framing of the policy.
The case, commonly referred to as the Delhi liquor policy case, pertained to a revamped excise policy introduced by the Aam Aadmi Party government in 2021–22. The policy aimed to increase revenue through a new retail structure but was later scrapped amid allegations of irregularities.
Remarks On “South Group” Reference
The court also questioned the terminology used by investigators, particularly the repeated reference to an alleged “South Group” of politicians and liquor businessmen. The judge sought clarification on who coined the term and what its intended implication was.
In response, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) stated that the term was used as a common reference for certain accused individuals. However, the court expressed reservations about the appropriateness of the phrase, observing that such terminology could create prejudice and should not have been used.
Kejriwal Reacts
Speaking to reporters outside the court, Kejriwal said he had always maintained that the truth would prevail. He referred to the period when he was arrested during the investigation and described it as a difficult phase.
The excise policy controversy had significantly impacted the political landscape in Delhi and was widely seen as a major factor affecting the AAP leadership in recent elections.
With Thursday’s order, both Kejriwal and Sisodia have secured relief in one of the most high-profile cases linked to the former Delhi government’s tenure. Further legal proceedings, if any, will depend on the next steps taken by investigative agencies.
