Manish Sisodia Walks Out Of Jail 17 Months After Arrest In Delhi Liquor Policy Case

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia walked out of jail on Friday, 17 months after his arrest, following the Supreme Court’s bail grant on the same day.

Sisodia was arrested for his alleged involvement in corruption and money laundering cases related to the controversial Delhi excise policy scam.

Holding aloft flags and cheering loudly, crowds of AAP supporters awaited Sisodia’s arrival as he stepped out of Tihar jail.

Sisodia, who was accompanied by fellow party leaders Atishi Marlena and Sanjay Singh, made his first remarks, saying, “I have come out because of your love and God’s grace.”

“Dictators can put us in jail, but Baba Saheb’s Constitution will save us,” he stated.

The AAP leader further expressed, “Ever since this order came in the morning, every inch of my skin has been feeling indebted to Babasaheb. I don’t understand how will pay off this debt to Babasaheb.”

What Supreme Court Said?

The Supreme Court, in a decision delivered by a bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan, granted Sisodia bail without imposing any conditions.

The bench, which had reserved judgment on Sisodia’s plea on August 6, ruled that his right to a speedy trial had been denied.

“We find that on account of a long period of incarceration running for around 17 months and the trial even not having been commenced, the appellant (Sisodia) has been deprived of his right to speedy trial,” the bench said in its 38-page verdict.

Justice Gavai stated, “The Delhi High Court order is quashed and set aside. He is granted bail in both Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau Of Investigation (CBI) cases.”

The court emphasised that there was no risk of Sisodia fleeing the country, noting, “It’s high time that trial and high courts realise the principle that bail is the rule and jail is an exception. He has deep roots in society and there is no chance he will flee the country.”

The court stipulated that Sisodia must furnish Rs 2 lakh in bail bonds, surrender his passport, and report to the police station as required.

Cases Against Sisodia

Sisodia was first arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on February 26, 2023, in connection with the controversial, now-scrapped Delhi excise policy for 2021-22.

Subsequently, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested him on March 9, 2023, in relation to a money laundering case stemming from the CBI’s First Information Report (FIR).

He resigned from the Delhi cabinet on February 28, 2023.

(With inputs from agencies)