Delhi HC Denies Bail: Sisodia’s Liquor Policy Battles Continue

In a blow to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the Delhi High Court rejected bail for ex-Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in both the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) cases concerning purported irregularities in Delhi’s excise policy.

Sisodia, arrested in February by the CBI and subsequently by the ED, requested bail due to health concerns and insufficient evidence. However, the court denied his bail requests, citing the seriousness of the allegations and the potential for witness tampering.

The alleged liquor policy scandal, emerging in July 2022, revolves around irregularities in implementing the Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22. Following Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena’s recommendation for a CBI investigation, the AAP government scrapped the policy in July 2022.

The High Court accuses Manish Sisodia of “misusing authority” and “betraying public trust” in formulating the Excise Policy. It also notes his significant influence and the potential for evidence tampering if granted bail.

Former excise minister Sisodia faces accusations of favoring liquor traders, resulting in substantial financial losses to the government. Both the CBI and ED claim he was involved in a broader scheme to grant liquor licenses to specific traders in exchange for kickbacks. Sisodia’s legal team plans to contest the bail refusal in the Supreme Court.