A Delhi court has acquitted all 23 accused, including Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia of AAP, in the excise policy case investigated by the CBI. The court stated that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case or raise grave suspicion for charges. Special Judge Jitendra Singh discharged the accused, mentioning that the case presented by the CBI did not hold under judicial scrutiny.
The case revolved around the Delhi Excise Policy 2021–22 introduced by the AAP-led government and later scrapped amid corruption allegations. Allegations suggested that Kejriwal and other AAP leaders accepted bribes from the “South Group” cartel for undue benefits under the policy. The CAG report highlighted irregularities resulting in a loss exceeding Rs 2,026 crore, with taxpayers allegedly losing significant amounts due to policy decisions.
Despite consistent denial of allegations by Kejriwal and Sisodia, the trial court found the prosecution’s case lacking evidence. The CBI has challenged the discharge order in the Delhi High Court, claiming vital aspects were overlooked. The legal battle involving Kejriwal and Sisodia is expected to continue as the case progresses.
