Supreme Court Rejects Bail Pleas in Rs 338 Crore Delhi Excise Scam
The Supreme Court has delivered its verdict on Manish Sisodia’s regular bail pleas filed in corruption and money-laundering cases pertaining to the now-defunct Delhi excise policy. The former deputy chief minister of Delhi had sought bail in these cases, but the court rejected his pleas on Monday. The apex court noted that there was evidence of a transfer of Rs 338 crore in relation to the matter.
While the court acknowledged that there were certain aspects of the case that raised doubts, it ultimately concluded that the transfer of Rs 338 crore had been tentatively established. As a result, the court dismissed Sisodia’s applications for bail.
Notably, the bench had previously recorded the statements of the investigating agencies, who asserted that the trial in these cases would conclude within six to eight months. However, the court made it clear that if the trial were to proceed in a sluggish manner, Sisodia would be eligible to apply for bail in three months’ time.
Although the verdict addressed various arguments and unresolved legal questions, it did not provide answers to all of them. The Supreme Court delivered its decision on Sisodia’s two separate regular bail pleas, which had been filed in relation to corruption and money-laundering charges linked to the Delhi excise policy. The court had reserved its verdict on both pleas on October 17.
Sisodia, who served as the deputy chief minister of Delhi, was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on February 26, 2022, regarding his alleged involvement in the ‘scam’. Since then, he has remained in custody. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) subsequently arrested him on March 9 in a money-laundering case related to the CBI FIR. Sisodia stepped down from the Delhi cabinet on February 28.
The high court previously denied Sisodia bail in the CBI case, citing concerns that his high-profile status as a former deputy chief minister and excise minister could potentially influence witnesses. Similarly, on July 3, the high court rejected his bail plea in the money-laundering case connected to alleged irregularities in the city government’s excise policy, deeming the charges against him as very serious in nature.
Earlier, the Delhi government had implemented the excise policy on November 17, 2021. However, the policy was revoked in September 2022 due to allegations of corruption. According to the investigating agencies, the new policy resulted in increased profit margins for wholesalers, from 5 percent to 12 percent.
The agencies further alleged that the revised policy led to cartelization and favored ineligible individuals for liquor licenses in exchange for monetary gains. Meanwhile, both the Delhi government and Sisodia have denied any misconduct and stated that the new policy would have boosted Delhi’s revenue share.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s rejection of Manish Sisodia’s bail pleas in corruption and money-laundering cases related to the Delhi excise policy marks a significant development in this ongoing legal saga. As the trial progresses, all eyes will remain on this case, which carries important implications for the former deputy chief minister and the allegations leveled against him.
