The Delhi High Court is set to consider a plea by the Central Bureau of Investigation challenging the discharge of Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and 21 others in the 2022 Delhi excise policy case. The matter is scheduled for hearing before Justice Swarnakanta Sharma on March 9. The CBI has filed a criminal revision petition contesting the trial court’s decision not to frame charges against the accused.
Special Judge Jitendra Singh, in an extensive order, found the CBI’s case lacking and dismissed it entirely. The trial court, after reviewing evidence from nearly 300 prosecution witnesses, concluded that there was no substantial basis to suspect the accused. The case revolves around the Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22, which was annulled over corruption allegations.
The CBI alleged that the policy favored specific liquor entities in exchange for bribes, leading to losses for the public exchequer. However, the trial court disagreed, stating that the policy was formulated through proper procedures. Following the discharge order, Kejriwal called the case false, expressing confidence in the judiciary, while Sisodia supported him. The BJP, on the other hand, believes the High Court may reverse the trial court’s decision.
Former Delhi BJP President Manoj Tiwari criticized the AAP’s celebrations, suggesting the CBI’s appeal could change the outcome. Tiwari highlighted issues like destroyed SIM cards and questioned the policy’s withdrawal if it was lawful. He emphasized the importance of public trust and vowed to pursue the matter politically and legally for accountability.
