Major Court Victory for Arvind Kejriwal as Charges Dropped in Delhi Liquor Policy Case
In a significant legal and political development, a Delhi court has discharged former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and 22 others, including senior colleague Manish Sisodia, in the high-profile Delhi excise (liquor policy) corruption case, delivering a major reprieve for the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party.
The Rouse Avenue Court found that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) failed to establish a prima facie case against the accused, describing the prosecution’s narrative as largely conjectural and lacking substantive evidence. As a result, all 23 accused in the case were discharged.
Court Slams Probe, Orders Action Against Investigating Officer
The court also lambasted the investigative process, suggesting that the probe appeared to be “pre-meditated” and choreographed, and directed that a departmental inquiry be initiated against the CBI officer in charge of the case to fix accountability.
Kejriwal Reacts: “Truth Has Triumphed”
Emotionally responding to the verdict, Kejriwal described the decision as a victory for truth and a vindication for himself and his party. Visuals from outside the courtroom showed Kejriwal breaking down emotionally after being cleared, a moment many see as symbolic of his political comeback.
Speaking to reporters, he accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leadership of orchestrating a politically motivated campaign against him, calling it the “biggest political conspiracy in independent India.” He specifically targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, demanding an apology and challenging them to face voters in fresh Delhi elections.
CBI Moves to Delhi High Court
Despite the trial court’s ruling, the CBI is not backing down. The agency has filed an appeal in the Delhi High Court challenging the discharge order, asserting that material evidence was not adequately considered during trial proceedings.
Political Fallout and Broader Impact
The verdict has sparked mixed reactions across the political spectrum. While AAP leaders welcomed the judgment as justice served, BJP representatives labelled the discharge a technicality and vowed to continue to press their case.
Opposition figures like social activist Anna Hazare have also commented on the ruling, urging Kejriwal to focus on governance and public service in the aftermath of the legal battle.
This judgment comes after a prolonged legal saga that saw Kejriwal arrested in 2024 over the excise policy scandal — making him the first sitting chief minister in India to be held in connection with such charges.
As the legal process continues with the CBI appeal, political observers say this case could become a defining moment for Kejriwal and his party ahead of upcoming electoral battles.
