Excise Policy Case: SC Reserves Order on Manish Sisodia’s Bail Plea

Manish Sisodia

The Supreme Court on Tuesday reserved its decision on AAP leader Manish Sisodia’s bail applications related to corruption and money laundering charges tied to the Delhi excise policy case.

Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan reviewed arguments from senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, representing Sisodia, and Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, who spoke for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

Sisodia was first arrested by the CBI on February 26, 2023, over alleged irregularities in the now-defunct Delhi excise policy 2021-22, and later by the ED on March 9, 2023, in connection with a money laundering probe.

During the hearing, Singhvi referenced a Supreme Court order from June 4, which allowed Sisodia to renew his bail plea after final complaints were filed, and an October 30 decision that had previously denied bail but allowed re-application under changed circumstances or delays.

Raju contended that Sisodia’s renewed bail plea is “not maintainable” and suggested that such matters should be addressed by the trial court. He also claimed that a bribe of ₹100 crore was sought, with ₹45 crore already traced.

Singhvi argued that the ED had withheld crucial documents and emphasized the delays in the case, a concern previously highlighted by the Supreme Court.

The court has not yet concluded the arguments and will continue next week.