Manish Sisodia Moves Delhi High Court Challenging Denial of Bail in Excise Policy Case

Former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia has approached the Delhi High Court seeking bail in the corruption and money laundering cases lodged by the CBI and ED in relation to the alleged excise policy scam. Sisodia has challenged a trial court's order that dismissed his bail pleas in the two cases. The trial court had denied him bail, stating that the stage is not right to grant him bail.

The high court has agreed to list the matter for an urgent hearing on Friday. Sisodia has been in custody since February 26, 2023, and is being probed by both the CBI and the ED in relation to the Delhi excise policy case, which involves allegations that Delhi government officials had connived to grant liquor licenses to certain traders in exchange for bribes.

This was the second time that the trial court has rejected Sisodia's bail petitions, with his first bail plea in the CBI case being rejected on March 31, 2023, and his bail application in the ED case being rejected on April 28, 2023. The Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court have also upheld the trial court orders.

Why this matters: The denial of bail to Manish Sisodia, a senior leader of the Aam Aadmi Party, in the high-profile excise policy case has significant political implications. The case has put the spotlight on allegations of corruption in the Delhi government and could impact the party's image and electoral prospects.

The trial court had rejected Sisodia's plea that the proceedings in the case have been delayed, observing that the delay is attributable to the AAP leader himself. The central agencies have accused Sisodia of being instrumental in "recommending" and "taking decisions" regarding the 2021-22 excise policy, without the approval of the competent authority, and of being part of a conspiracy to give extraordinary profit margins to wholesalers.

Sisodia's legal team will now present their arguments for bail before the Delhi High Court. The court's decision on the bail plea will be closely watched, given the high-profile nature of the case and its political ramifications. The case is likely to have a significant impact on the ongoing power tussle between the Aam Aadmi Party-led Delhi government and the central government.

Key Takeaways

• Manish Sisodia seeks bail in CBI, ED cases over Delhi excise policy scam.
• Trial court denied bail, stating stage not right; Sisodia challenges in HC.
• HC agrees to hear bail plea urgently; Sisodia in custody since Feb 26.
• Case has political implications, impacts AAP's image and electoral prospects.
• Sisodia accused of recommending policy changes without approval, conspiracy.