The Supreme Court on Friday issued notices to the Central Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement Directorate regarding a plea by AAP leader Manish Sisodia seeking relaxation in the bail conditions imposed in the alleged liquor policy irregularities case.
A bench comprising Justices B.R. Gavai and K.V. Viswanathan directed the investigative agencies to respond to Sisodia’s plea. The application challenges the conditions requiring him to mark his attendance at the police station every Monday and Thursday.
Representing Sisodia, Senior Advocate Abhishek M. Singhvi argued that his client is a “respectable individual” who has already complied with the attendance requirement 60 times. He further pointed out that no similar conditions were imposed on other accused in the case and requested an earlier hearing date.
Court assured that it would address the application at the next scheduled hearing.
Previously, the Supreme Court granted bail to Sisodia, highlighting his strong societal roots and minimal risk of absconding. The Court also noted the complexity of the trial, given the presence of 493 witnesses and extensive documentary evidence, including thousands of digitized pages.
However, several conditions were imposed as part of the bail, including the surrender of Sisodia’s passport, a restriction on influencing witnesses or tampering with evidence, and mandatory reporting to the Investigating Officer twice weekly between 10-11 AM.
The case dates back to February 2023, when Sisodia was arrested by the CBI over allegations of irregularities in the framing and implementation of Delhi’s now-scrapped excise policy.
According to the CBI, Sisodia played a pivotal role in a criminal conspiracy involving the policy, which was withdrawn following allegations of misconduct by opposition parties. Sisodia remains in judicial custody as the investigation continues.
Court’s decision on Sisodia’s plea for bail condition relaxation is awaited, and its outcome will have significant implications for his legal battle and ongoing trial.
