The Rouse Avenue Court in New Delhi discharged Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and 23 others in the excise policy case, known as the liquor policy scam. The court cleared them of corruption and wrongdoing charges, citing no overarching conspiracy or criminal intent. This decision comes after Kejriwal and Sisodia were previously incarcerated in the case.
The case revolves around the Delhi Excise Policy introduced by the AAP government in November 2021 to reform liquor businesses in the capital. The policy faced controversy, with the BJP alleging collusion with the liquor mafia. Following a report by the Chief Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor in July 2022, a case was filed citing procedural lapses and financial losses.
Allegations of kickbacks and illegal gratification were made against AAP leaders, claiming rebates and waivers on license fees. The Lieutenant Governor recommended a CBI probe, leading to charges of gross violations against Manish Sisodia and other AAP members. The CBI investigation alleged kickbacks of Rs 100 crores and diversion of funds for election campaigns.
The issue sparked a political storm, with the BJP accusing the Kejriwal government of corruption for political gains. Kejriwal was named a key conspirator in the scam, while Sisodia was accused of favoring private liquor players. The AAP and BJP exchanged accusations, with the former denying the charges and the latter alleging witch-hunting.
