Delhi Excise Policy Case: On Friday, August 10, the Supreme Court granted bail to former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia in the Delhi liquor policy case. He had been in ED custody since February 26, 2023. Three days ago, a bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Vishwanath had reserved the order. Previously, the Delhi High Court had denied his bail petition. Sisodia must post a bond of Rs 10 lakh.
Supreme Court grants bail to AAP leader Manish Sisodia in the excise policy irregularities case pic.twitter.com/5alhh0uL5l
— ANI (@ANI) August 9, 2024
When granting bail to Sisodia, the Supreme Court noted that lower and high courts have been overly cautious about granting bail. The court emphasized that bail should not be used as a punishment and that bail is the rule, while jail is the exception. The court set three conditions for Sisodia’s bail: he must surrender his passport, post a bond of Rs 10 lakh, and provide two sureties.
#WATCH | Delhi | On Supreme Court grants bail to Manish Sisodia, advocate representing the AAP leader, Rishikesh Kumar says, “Supreme Court has granted bail to Manish Sisodia, both in CBI and ED cases. He was in jail for the last 17 months. Supreme Court has also said that from… pic.twitter.com/0qg9IjcPKe
— ANI (@ANI) August 9, 2024
Manish Sisodia was arrested in February 2023
The last hearing in the case was on July 29, when the ED requested more time to file an affidavit. Following this, the Supreme Court postponed the hearing. Sisodia was arrested by the CBI on February 26 last year and by the ED on March 9. He resigned from the Delhi Cabinet two days after his arrest.
Supreme Court Rejects Restriction On Sisodia
During the Supreme Court hearing, ASG SV Raju, representing the investigating agencies, argued that Manish Sisodia should be barred from entering the Delhi CM office. The court responded that it could not impose such a restriction, emphasizing that freedom is a daily concern.
The court also stated that the triple test would not apply in this case because the issue is about delays in the trial. The lower court overlooked the right to a speedy trial and denied bail based on this delay.
After Manish Sisodia was granted bail, the Aam Aadmi Party celebrated, calling it a win by posting “Sach ki jeet hui” on X.
VIDEO | “After a long wait of 17 months, we have got this victory. I would like to ask PM Modi and BJP – how long are they going to continue doing vendetta politics? This (SC’s order) is tight slap on ‘Tanashahi’ government,” says AAP MP Sanjay Singh (@SanjayAzadSln) on Supreme… pic.twitter.com/OcPc0jf4fZ
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 9, 2024
सच की जीत हुई ♥️
शिक्षा क्रांति का नायक वापस आ रहा… pic.twitter.com/W3OwgDgQqh
— Aam Aadmi Party Delhi (@AAPDelhi) August 9, 2024
Also Read: Supreme Court To Review Petition Challenging Hijab, Burqa Ban In Colleges Today
