Delhi Court Extends Manish Sisodia’s Judicial Custody

Manish Sisodia, an AAP leader and former deputy chief minister of Delhi, had his judicial custody extended till April 18 by a Delhi court regarding a money laundering case linked to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam. Special Judge Kaveri Baweja made this decision after Sisodia’s appearance, following the expiration of his previous judicial custody. Additionally, AAP leader Sanjay Singh, recently granted bail by the Supreme Court in the same case, also attended the court proceedings. Sisodia has been held in Tihar jail in connection to the alleged Delhi liquor case.

Both the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) have accused officials of irregularities in modifying the Delhi Excise Policy, alleging favoritism towards license holders, fee waivers, and unauthorized license extensions. The investigation suggests that illicit gains were diverted to the accused officials, with financial records being falsified to avoid detection.

Sisodia’s involvement in the scam led to his arrest by the CBI on February 26, 2023, followed by the ED arresting him on March 9, 2023, for money laundering. Consequently, he resigned from the Delhi cabinet on February 28, 2023. Despite Sisodia’s claims that the investigating agencies have failed to prove any money reached him, the legal proceedings continue.

Sisodia’s counsel argued for his bail, emphasizing the completion of the investigation without concrete allegations against him. They highlighted the lack of loss to the exchequer or individuals and Sisodia’s compliance with bail conditions during a previous temporary release. The defense also cited delays in the trial process and sought parity with another accused granted bail by the Supreme Court due to trial delays.

Despite Sisodia’s repeated attempts for bail, including petitions in lower courts and the Supreme Court, his applications were consistently dismissed. The legal battle continues as Sisodia remains in judicial custody, facing charges in both the CBI and ED cases stemming from the alleged scam.

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