SC Relaxes Sisodia’s Bail Conditions Over Appearance Before Probe Agencies

The Supreme Court on Wednesday has relaxed certain bail conditions imposed on AAP leader Manish Sisodia, granting him relief from the requirement to report to the investigating officer twice a week.

The decision was delivered by a bench comprising Justices Bhushan R. Gavai and K.V. Viswanathan, who considered Sisodia’s plea for a modification in his bail terms.

Sisodia’s legal team, led by senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi and advocate Vivek Jain, argued that he had been fully compliant with the bail conditions set on August 9. Since his release, Sisodia appeared before the IO 60 times and attended every trial hearing, demonstrating adherence to the court’s directives.

The court, in its recent ruling, stated, “The condition requiring the petitioner to report to the IO on Mondays and Thursdays is unnecessary and is therefore deleted. The petitioner, however, must ensure regular attendance at the trial.”

Sisodia had been arrested in February 2023 over allegations related to a now-revoked excise policy, which purportedly benefitted private liquor retailers by increasing commission rates from 5%-12%. He was accused of playing a role in the alleged conspiracy surrounding the policy.

When granting bail earlier, the court acknowledged the significant delay in the trial process due to the large volume of evidence and a lengthy list of witnesses. Highlighting the 17 months Sisodia spent in custody, the bench underscored the right to a speedy trial as enshrined under Article 21 of the Constitution, which protects the fundamental right to life and liberty.

“In matters concerning the liberty of a citizen, indefinite detention without the prospect of an expeditious trial undermines fundamental rights,” the bench noted. It also stressed that Sisodia’s case should not require him to repeatedly approach lower courts for bail, as it would amount to a “travesty of justice.”

The court’s earlier bail conditions required Sisodia to furnish a bond of ₹10 lakh with two sureties of the same amount, surrender his passport, and refrain from tampering with evidence or influencing witnesses. These conditions remain intact to ensure the integrity of the ongoing legal process.

The court’s latest decision highlights the balance between protecting individual freedoms and ensuring adherence to legal procedures. Sisodia’s continued cooperation with the trial proceedings will remain critical to maintaining this balance.

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