Delhi Liquor Policy Case: Aam Aadmi Party leader and former Deputy CM of Delhi, Manish Sisodia, has been released from Tihar Jail in the Delhi excise policy case. The Supreme Court granted bail to Sisodia on Friday, August 9, in the cases related to alleged corruption and money laundering in the excise policy. He will go directly from jail to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s residence to meet with his family.

The bail bond was furnished before the Delhi court by Manish Sisodia’s advocate, hence completing the formalities for the release of the jailed former minister. He spent 17 months in Tihar Jail.

#WATCH | Former Delhi Deputy CM and AAP leader Manish Sisodia walks out of Tihar Jail. He was granted bail in Delhi excise policy case by Supreme Court today. pic.twitter.com/pBEEkvQZXz

— ANI (@ANI) August 9, 2024

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The accused has already spent 17 months in jail, and the trial has not commenced till date,” a Bench led by Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice K.V. Viswanathan said while noting that Sisodia’s right to speedy trial was infringed. Noting that Sisodia had already spent 17 months in jail and the trial has not commenced till date, the Bench took the view that it would not be proper to send Sisodia back to the lower court for bail in these cases.

It said that it is time for trial courts and the High Court to understand that ‘bail is the rule and jail is an exception’. The bench ordered the release of Sisodia on a personal bond of Rs 10 lakh and two sureties of the same amount.

AAP Hails SC’s ‘Victory of Truth’

It may be mentioned here that Sisodia, the former Deputy CM of Delhi, was arrested by CBI on 26 February 2023. He was accused of alleged irregularities committed while framing and implementing the Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22, which was later scrapped. The ED had arrested him on March 9, 2023, in a money laundering case.

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The money laundering case is connected with the CBI’s FIR. Manish Sisodia had resigned from the Delhi Cabinet on February 28, 2023. He was also holding the portfolio of the Education Ministry. Sisodia had sought bail on the grounds that he has spent 17 months in custody and that the trial against him has yet not begun. The ED and CBI have, however, opposed his bail plea.

On the other hand, the AAP has termed the SC decision to grant bail to Manish Sisodia as a “victory of truth.” The party also expressed hope that other AAP leaders who are in jail will also receive justice.

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