Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia cleared in Delhi liquor policy case. Court slams CBI investigation, ruling no criminal intent or conspiracy found.
In a major legal victory for former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, a Delhi court has cleared him and his deputy Manish Sisodia in the controversial Delhi liquor policy case. The special judge at Rouse Avenue Court ruled that there was no criminal intent or overarching conspiracy in the excise policy introduced by the AAP government in 2021-22.
The court’s verdict comes as a significant setback for the CBI, which had faced criticism for its investigative methods, particularly for relying heavily on approver statements and publicly naming government official Kuldeep Singh as the first accused. The court emphasized that the investigation was based more on conjecture than solid evidence.
Background of the Case
The Delhi liquor policy case had troubled the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership when they were in power. The policy aimed to generate higher revenue for the Delhi government by revising license fees and profit margins in liquor sales. While the policy was later scrapped, the allegations led to FIRs against 23 individuals, including top political leaders.
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Speaking outside the court, Arvind Kejriwal said, “We always said that truth ultimately wins. A sitting chief minister was dragged out of his home and jailed, but the truth was always on our side.” Emotional during his statement, Kejriwal reiterated his commitment to honesty and transparency, qualities that have defined his political career since the anti-corruption movement led by Anna Hazare in 2011.
Court Observations on Investigation
The court questioned the CBI’s use of the term “South Group” to describe politicians and liquor businessmen allegedly involved in shaping the policy. Judge Jitender Singh pointed out that such vague terms cannot form the basis of a legal conspiracy.
The court criticized the reliance on approver statements, describing it as “improper” and a potential violation of constitutional principles. No prima facie evidence could be established against any of the accused, including Kejriwal and Sisodia.
Impact on AAP
The Delhi liquor policy case had political repercussions for the AAP, with the controversy partially contributing to the party’s electoral defeat in the last assembly elections. Analysts believe that clearing Arvind Kejriwal in the Delhi liquor policy case strengthens the party’s image and vindicates its governance decisions.
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