New Delhi: A Delhi court on Friday acquitted former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia and former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal in the Delhi excise policy case, observing that the prosecution failed to present sufficient evidence to substantiate its allegations.
The case was investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which had accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders of playing a key role in alleged irregularities linked to the now-scrapped excise policy.
‘Serious charges require solid evidence’
In its order, the court said serious allegations must be backed by strong supporting material and cannot rest on presumptions. It noted that attributing a central conspiratorial role without concrete evidence is not sustainable in law.
The court further observed that unsubstantiated claims could erode public faith in high constitutional offices.
Special Judge (PC Act) Jitender Singh ordered closure of the case initiated by the CBI against all accused, stating that there was no evidence of a larger conspiracy or criminal intent in the formulation of the excise policy.
Kejriwal reacts after acquittal
Speaking to reporters outside the court, Kejriwal turned emotional and said, “I have earned honesty in my life. A false case was filed against us, but the court has proved that Kejriwal and Sisodia are honest and the Aam Aadmi Party is staunchly honest.”
Background of the case
The case originated in 2022 following a complaint by then Delhi lieutenant governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, after which the CBI registered an FIR.
Investigating agencies had alleged that the excise policy was manipulated to benefit liquor manufacturers in exchange for bribes. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had also filed a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The Delhi government had implemented the new excise policy on November 17, 2021, but withdrew it by the end of September 2022 amid corruption allegations.
Agencies had claimed that under the policy, the profit margin for wholesalers was increased from 5% to 12%, leading to cartelisation and undue financial benefits to ineligible licence holders. Sisodia, however, had denied any wrongdoing and maintained that the policy was aimed at boosting government revenue.
