Kejriwal Overwhelmed After Court Acquittal in Excise Policy Case; Sisodia Offers Support
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, Feb 27 (NationPress) Arvind Kejriwal, the national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and former Chief Minister of Delhi, was visibly moved after being acquitted by the Rouse Avenue Court regarding the Delhi excise policy matter. In his first media interaction post-verdict, Kejriwal was seen crying uncontrollably.
Manish Sisodia, the former Deputy Chief Minister, was present to comfort Kejriwal, embracing him and helping to dry his tears as the party's supporters gathered around them.
While addressing the press, Kejriwal stated, “The constant accusations of a ‘Delhi excise scam’ have been dismissed by the court today. We have always believed in the triumph of truth and our trust in the Indian judicial system has been reaffirmed.”
He expressed gratitude towards the judges for their ruling and stated, “I have always had faith that God is with us.”
Kejriwal further claimed that a significant political conspiracy led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah aimed to undermine the AAP.
“This case was entirely fabricated. Media discussions have unfairly depicted me as corrupt,” he asserted.
Earlier in the day, the Delhi court declined to press charges against Kejriwal, Sisodia, and other individuals linked to the alleged liquor policy scam.
By allowing the discharge plea, the Rouse Avenue Court concluded that the investigation had not uncovered sufficient evidence to pursue charges against the defendants, indicating no criminal offense, including conspiracy, had occurred.
Both Kejriwal and Sisodia had been previously arrested in connection with the liquor policy probe but were granted bail by the Supreme Court in 2024.
The controversy centers around the Delhi government's excise policy for 2021-22, which was retracted amid allegations of licensing and pricing anomalies.
Central agencies accused AAP leaders, including Kejriwal and Sisodia, of accepting bribes from a group known as the 'South Group' in return for favorable policy modifications for select liquor vendors.
Investigators alleged that the improper application of the policy resulted in significant financial losses to the public treasury and involved manipulation of licensing regulations.
In September 2024, the Supreme Court granted bail to Kejriwal in the CBI corruption case, mandating his full cooperation with trial proceedings while advising him to refrain from public commentary on the case.
Additionally, the Supreme Court had previously provided interim relief in related money laundering proceedings, emphasizing the importance of the Right to Life and Personal Liberty as enshrined in Article 21 of the Constitution.
Manish Sisodia was granted bail by the Supreme Court in August 2024 after being incarcerated for nearly 17 months, with the court noting that the trial, which involves numerous witnesses and substantial evidence, was unlikely to conclude soon, and that continued detention would infringe on the right to a speedy trial.