In a major relief to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders, a Delhi court today discharged former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, and all 23 accused in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) case related to the alleged Delhi Excise Policy scam.
Special Judge Jitendra Singh of the Rouse Avenue Court refused to take cognisance of the CBI chargesheet, ruling that there was no overarching conspiracy or criminal intent in the formulation and implementation of the now-scrapped Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22. The court observed that the prosecution failed to establish even a prima facie case, describing several allegations as misleading and unsupported by cogent evidence. It highlighted serious lacunae in the investigation and criticised the CBI for implicating individuals without sufficient material. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
The judge emphasised that serious criminal allegations against public figures require substantive backing, not mere inferences or narratives. The court noted that policy changes appeared to involve administrative deliberations rather than corrupt motives, and no evidence supported claims of a central conspiratorial role.
The decision marks the end — at least for now — of a high-profile case that had dragged on for years, involving arrests, prolonged judicial proceedings, and intense political accusations. Kejriwal and Sisodia had previously faced custody in connection with the matter, including time in Tihar Jail.
Reacting emotionally after the verdict, Arvind Kejriwal broke down in tears while addressing the media. “I am not corrupt. The court has said that Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia are kattar imaandaar (staunchly honest),” he said, alleging that the case was part of a larger political conspiracy orchestrated against AAP. He claimed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah had targeted the party by arresting its top leaders, including a sitting Chief Minister — a first in the country’s history.
Kejriwal’s wife, Sunita Kejriwal, stated, “Truth always prevails,” expressing faith that justice would ultimately triumph despite the challenges faced.
Manish Sisodia was seen consoling his colleague amid the emotional moment, as family members and supporters welcomed them at home.
The CBI is reportedly planning to challenge the discharge order in the Delhi High Court, with sources indicating the agency views the ruling as contestable and intends to file an appeal after reviewing the detailed judgment.
This development provides significant political momentum to AAP ahead of future electoral battles, with party leaders framing it as vindication against what they describe as motivated investigations.
The excise policy, introduced in 2021-22 to reform liquor sales in Delhi, was scrapped amid controversy over alleged irregularities, leading to multiple probes by CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Earlier related proceedings had seen mixed outcomes, including bail grants and acquittals in some ED-linked matters.
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