Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: A Delhi court has cleared former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in the Delhi Excise Policy case, ruling that there was no overarching conspiracy or criminal intent behind the 2021-22 liquor policy. The court also criticized the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for its handling of the probe.
No Evidence Of Conspiracy, Says Court
The Rouse Avenue Court, presided over by Special Judge Jitender Singh, observed that the CBI failed to establish even a prima facie case against any of the 23 accused. The court noted that the alleged conspiracy theory could not stand scrutiny against constitutional principles.
The judge emphasized that the prosecution relied heavily on conjecture rather than solid evidence. It also questioned the investigative method of granting pardons to accused persons and turning them into approvers to strengthen the case, calling it an improper approach.
CBI To Challenge Verdict In High Court
The CBI has announced that it will immediately file an appeal in the Delhi High Court, arguing that key aspects of its investigation were either ignored or inadequately considered by the trial court.
In a significant remark, the court said it would seek a departmental inquiry against CBI officials for naming public servant Kuldeep Singh as the primary accused. The agency’s use of the term “South Group” to describe certain alleged beneficiaries of the policy also came under judicial scrutiny, with the court questioning both its origin and intent.
Background Of The Liquor Policy Case
The case originated from allegations that the now-scrapped Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22 favored certain private entities by reducing licence fees and fixing profit margins, allegedly leading to kickbacks and financial losses. The CBI registered an FIR in August 2022 based on a complaint from then Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government had defended the policy, claiming it would increase revenue and reform the liquor trade system. However, the controversy became a major political flashpoint and contributed to the party’s electoral setback in the subsequent Assembly elections.
Kejriwal Reacts After Acquittal
Speaking outside the court, Arvind Kejriwal said the verdict reaffirmed his long-standing claim of innocence. He stated that truth had ultimately prevailed and became emotional while recalling his arrest during his tenure as Chief Minister.
The judgment marks a major legal and political development in a case that had significant implications for the leadership of the Aam Aadmi Party.
