Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, along with former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and 21 others, were acquitted by a city court in the state excise policy case. The judgment followed a lengthy legal battle that had a significant impact on Delhi’s political landscape. The case centered on alleged irregularities in Delhi’s 2021-22 liquor policy formulation, with accusations of corruption and favoritism towards specific private entities.
The verdict has sparked political reactions, with opposition parties criticizing the ruling BJP for allegedly misusing central agencies for political motives. Both the CBI and the ED investigated the case, focusing on claims of policy manipulation for personal gains. Kejriwal and Sisodia consistently refuted the allegations, labeling them as politically driven and aimed at tarnishing their reputation. The CBI intends to challenge the court’s decision, citing overlooked aspects in its investigation.
The trial court emphasized the lack of evidence supporting conspiracy or criminal intent, portraying the policy changes as part of routine governance decisions. The acquittal of Kejriwal and Sisodia is anticipated to have significant political ramifications, potentially impacting the upcoming municipal and state elections. Kejriwal expressed relief at the verdict, asserting that truth prevailed, while Sisodia highlighted the importance of faith in the judicial process.
Congress leader Pawan Khera raised concerns about the timing of legal actions around elections, questioning the motives behind such maneuvers. The case involved various prominent figures, including K. Kavitha from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi, who welcomed the court’s decision as a step towards exposing fabricated charges against their leaders. The BJP criticized the celebration by AAP supporters, alleging destruction of evidence by Kejriwal and Sisodia.
Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva contended that the court ruling was based on technicalities and did not absolve Kejriwal of wrongdoing. He questioned the sudden withdrawal of the excise policy and raised issues regarding its implementation. The case revolved around the Delhi Excise Policy introduced by Kejriwal’s government in 2021, aimed at reforming liquor regulations in the capital. The policy’s controversial rollout led to accusations of collusion with the liquor industry, ultimately resulting in its cancellation in 2022.
