Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Manish Sisodia was granted bail by the Supreme Court on Friday in the Delhi liquor scam case after 17 months. Sisodia was in custody for 17 months after being arrested in corruption and money laundering cases linked to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam.
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A bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan, which had reserved its judgment on Sisodia’s pleas on August 6, imposed no conditions while granting the bail.
What Is Delhi Liquor Policy Scam Case All About?
In July 2022, Lieutenant Governor of Delhi VK Saxena had recommended an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22 after a report by the Delhi chief secretary established prima facie violations of various acts and rules in addition to “deliberate and gross procedural lapses” to provide “undue benefits” to liquor licensees. Manish Sisodia headed the excise department.
The CBI conducted raids on premises linked to the then Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and three others. The probe agency named Sisodia and 14 other accused in its FIR.
In March 2023, Manish Sisodia was summoned by the CBI in connection with the alleged irregularities in the now-scrapped Delhi liquor policy. He was arrested by the probe agency after hours of questioning, following which he resigned from the Delhi Cabinet.
In March 2023, Sisodia was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering case stemming from the CBI FIR and was sent to Tihar Jail.
What Are Charges Against Manish Sisodia?
Manish Sisodia is facing allegations of providing kickbacks to liquor vendors. The charges levelled by the ED are under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. Additionally, the CBI has charged Sisodia with accepting bribes under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
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