A Delhi court has discharged all 23 accused, including Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, in the excise policy case investigated by the CBI. The court ruled that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case or raise a “grave suspicion” for framing charges.
The case revolved around the Delhi Excise Policy 2021–22 introduced by the AAP-led government, which was later scrapped amid corruption allegations. The CBI alleged the policy favored certain liquor entities in exchange for bribes, but the court found the prosecution’s theory lacking evidence.
The court expressed concerns over the investigation’s conduct, including repeated recording of statements from an approver. It also criticized the use of identity-based labeling in charge sheets, stating it served no legitimate purpose and risked prejudice.
The discharge order brought relief to AAP leaders Kejriwal and Sisodia, who had faced arrest earlier. Kejriwal expressed faith in the justice system, calling the case false, while Sisodia stood by him. The CBI plans to challenge the discharge order, setting the stage for further legal proceedings.
