New Delhi, Feb 27 (NationPress) The CBI is set to file an appeal in the High Court against the ruling made by the Rouse Avenue court on Friday, which cleared former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, along with others, in the 2022 Delhi excise policy case.

The agency stated that numerous elements of the investigation were either overlooked or insufficiently evaluated in the trial court’s decision.

The CBI launched an FIR on August 17, 2022, targeting then Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, excise officials, and liquor entrepreneurs following a complaint from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. Allegations included irregularities in creating and executing the excise policy, altering provisions, granting undue advantages to license holders, reducing or waiving license fees, and extending L-1 licenses without proper authorization.

In response to the Rouse Avenue Court's decision, Kejriwal expressed deep emotion and broke down while speaking to the media for the first time since the verdict.

Manish Sisodia was seen embracing Kejriwal, comforting him amid a gathering of party supporters.

During a press conference, Kejriwal remarked, “Despite repeated allegations of a ‘Delhi excise scam,’ the court has dismissed the charges and cleared the accused today. We have always maintained that the truth prevails and we trust in the Indian judicial system.”

He further stated, “I am grateful to the judges for their decision. I have always believed that divine support is with us.”

Kejriwal accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah of orchestrating a significant political conspiracy aimed at undermining the AAP.

“This was a completely fabricated case. Media discussions consistently portrayed me as corrupt,” he asserted.

Earlier that day, the Delhi court declined to file charges against former Chief Minister Kejriwal, former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, and others in relation to the corruption case tied to the alleged liquor policy scam.

Upholding the discharge petition, the Rouse Avenue Court determined that insufficient evidence surfaced during the investigation to warrant action against the accused, revealing no indication of any criminal activity, including conspiracy.

Both Kejriwal and Sisodia had previously been arrested concerning the liquor policy probe but received bail from the Supreme Court in 2024.

The alleged scam pertains to the Delhi government's 2021-22 excise policy, which was later retracted amidst claims of irregularities in licensing and pricing mechanisms.

Central agencies alleged that leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), including Kejriwal and Sisodia, accepted kickbacks from a group known as the 'South Group' in return for policy concessions that benefitted select liquor licensees.

Investigators asserted that the flawed execution of the policy led to substantial losses for the public treasury and involved manipulation of licensing criteria and exemptions.

In September 2024, the Supreme Court granted bail to Kejriwal in the CBI corruption case while mandating full cooperation with trial processes and prohibiting public commentary on the case’s merits.

The apex court had also previously offered interim relief in related money laundering cases, underscoring the importance of the Right to Life and Personal Liberty as per Article 21 of the Constitution.

Manish Sisodia received bail from the Supreme Court in August 2024 after nearly 17 months in custody, noting that the trial, which involves hundreds of witnesses and extensive documentation, is not expected to conclude soon, and continued detention would infringe upon the right to a prompt trial.