Supreme Court Relaxes Bail Condition for former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Manish Sisodia in the Delhi excise policy corruption and money laundering cases. The Court has removed the requirement for Sisodia to mark his attendance with the investigating officer twice a week.
Supreme Court Decision On Sisodia’s Plea
A bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan allowed Manish Sisodia’s plea to modify his bail conditions. The earlier bail terms mandated him to report to the investigating officer every Monday and Thursday between 10-11 AM.
In its order, the Court stated:
“We hold that the condition is not needed and thus deleted. However, the applicant shall regularly attend trial.”
The Court emphasized that Sisodia must continue to attend all trial proceedings as part of his bail conditions.
Background Of The Case
Manish Sisodia was arrested on February 26, 2023, in connection with allegations of corruption and money laundering related to the now-scrapped Delhi Excise Policy. The case, led by both the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), accused Sisodia and other AAP leaders of tweaking the policy to benefit liquor sellers in exchange for bribes.
The alleged bribe money was reportedly used to fund the party’s campaign for elections in Goa. Sisodia was in custody until the Supreme Court granted him bail in August 2024.
Initial Bail Conditions
The Supreme Court granted bail to Sisodia in August 2024, citing a violation of his right to a speedy trial under Article 21 of the Constitution. The bail was granted with the following conditions:
- Sisodia was required to submit bail bonds worth ₹10,00,000 with two sureties of the same amount.
- He had to surrender his passport.
- He was required to report to the investigating officer twice a week.
Sisodia’s legal team argued that the attendance condition was burdensome and sought its relaxation.
Representation In Court
Manish Sisodia was represented by Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, along with advocates Vivek Jain, Mohd Irshad, Suchitra Kumbhat, Amit Bhandari, Rajat Jain, and Sadiq Noor.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) was represented by Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, who opposed the relaxation of bail conditions.
Allegations Against Sisodia
The Delhi excise policy case involves allegations of corruption and money laundering. Authorities claim the policy was manipulated to benefit certain liquor vendors who allegedly paid bribes to AAP leaders. The bribes were purportedly used to fund election campaigns.
The investigation led to multiple arrests and highlighted allegations of financial irregularities in policy implementation. Sisodia had previously filed several bail applications, which were initially rejected before the Supreme Court granted him relief.
Legal Significance
The Supreme Court’s decision to relax the bail condition underscores the importance of balancing judicial oversight with the rights of the accused. The move also reflects the Court’s recognition of the challenges posed by prolonged investigations and trial delays.
While the condition requiring weekly attendance was deemed unnecessary, the Court’s insistence on Sisodia’s regular attendance at trial highlights its commitment to ensuring accountability in high-profile cases.
Political Impact
The case has been a major point of contention between AAP and its political opponents, particularly the BJP, which has accused the party of widespread corruption. Sisodia’s arrest and the subsequent investigation have been politically charged, with AAP leaders claiming it is an attempt to malign the party.
The Supreme Court’s relaxation of bail conditions may offer some respite to AAP, but the trial and ongoing investigations ensure the matter remains a significant political and legal issue.
Looking Ahead
As the trial progresses, the case will continue to shape public discourse on corruption, accountability, and the role of investigative agencies. The focus now shifts to the substantive proceedings of the trial, where both prosecution and defense will present their arguments.
Manish Sisodia’s case highlights the complexities of high-stakes political corruption investigations and the judiciary’s role in upholding the principles of justice and fairness.