CHANDIGARH, February 27, 2026 — Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan has lauded the court’s recent decision to discharge all cases against Arvind Kejriwal and 22 others in the excise policy case. Describing the verdict as a “powerful reaffirmation of constitutional morality,” Sandhwan emphasized that the legal system has successfully shielded the rule of law from political coercion.
Judicial Scrutiny Overcomes Allegations
The discharge of all 23 accused, including former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, marks a significant turning point in the long-running legal battle. According to Speaker Sandhwan, the verdict unequivocally proves that the allegations leveled against the AAP leadership were unable to withstand rigorous judicial scrutiny.
“When a democratically elected Chief Minister is targeted without substantive evidence, it raises serious concerns regarding institutional propriety,” Sandhwan remarked. “The court’s direction to take departmental action against the Investigating Officer (IO) underscores the necessity of accountability within our investigative agencies.”
Key Highlights of the Court Verdict:
- Complete Discharge: All 23 accused, including Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, have been cleared of charges.
- Lack of Evidence: The court found that investigative agencies failed to establish even a prima facie case.
- Accountability: The judiciary has called for action against investigators for procedural lapses.
- Vindication: The ruling is seen as a moral and political victory for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
A Visionary Leader Vindicated
Speaker Sandhwan highlighted that the verdict goes beyond a simple legal acquittal; it serves as a total vindication of Arvind Kejriwal’s integrity. He described Kejriwal as a “staunchly honest and visionary leader” whose governance model remains rooted in transparency and public service.
“Arvind Kejriwal represents the aspirations of the common citizen,” Sandhwan stated. “His journey through this adversity reflects immense moral courage. This judgment proves that in a constitutional democracy, integrity withstands intimidation and truth eventually prevails over coercion.”
Strengthening Democratic Foundations
The Speaker concluded by noting that the verdict reinforces public faith in the judiciary. By dismissing what he termed “vendetta politics,” the court has ensured that the principles of participatory democracy and due process remain the bedrock of the Indian legal system.
The discharge of the excise policy case is expected to have far-reaching implications for the political landscape, signaling a shift toward evidence-based legal proceedings over political narratives.