In a landmark decision, Rouse Avenue Court has delivered a verdict on the highly-discussed Delhi liquor policy case. Former Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party’s national convenor, Arvind Kejriwal, along with Manish Sisodia, have been acquitted of all charges. The court has given both leaders a clean slate.
Court made it clear that mere accusations aren't enough. Trust in any charge requires solid and adequate evidence. The court stated that the evidence presented by the investigating agency was weak and inadequate.
Initially, the court acquitted Kuldeep Singh, the former commissioner in the excise department. Following this, Manish Sisodia was granted relief, and then the order was extended to Arvind Kejriwal.
The court's remarks highlighted several flaws in the filed chargesheet. The court noted there are numerous points that were not satisfactorily answered, leading to relief.
However, the investigative agency expressed dissatisfaction with this order and indicated plans to challenge it in the High Court. CBI lawyers have hinted at filing an appeal in the upper court after a thorough study of the order.
Feeling emotional post his acquittal in the liquor policy case, Arvind Kejriwal stated that the entire matter against him was fabricated to tarnish his image. He accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah of orchestrating India’s largest political conspiracy to dismantle the Aam Aadmi Party. He claimed five senior party leaders were imprisoned, and the arrest of a sitting Chief Minister from home and jailing him was unprecedented in India’s history.
Kejriwal recounted being held in jail for six months, while Manish Sisodia faced nearly two years of imprisonment. He pointed out how TV channels defamed him as corrupt. Addressing the Prime Minister, he warned against exploiting the nation and its constitution for power. He emphasized that power should be gained through good deeds.
Kejriwal underlined that pressing issues like inflation, unemployment, broken roads, and pollution need priority resolution. He hailed the verdict as a victory for truth, emphasizing that the spirit of the Constitution eventually prevails. He believes the country will only progress when attention is paid to the public's issues, rather than political conspiracies.
Following the verdict, Sunita Kejriwal reacted, asserting that no matter how powerful someone might become in Parliament, they can never supersede the divine power and that truth always triumphs.
This case is linked to the 2022-23 Delhi Excise Policy. On this basis, the CBI registered a case, later joined by the ED on money laundering charges. Numerous Aam Aadmi Party leaders were jailed in relation to this case. Bail applications were frequently rejected until bail was eventually granted.
On a Friday, Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court ruled that the case against Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia could not be established based on the CBI chargesheet, considered weak by the court.
The court noted that serious allegations against individuals in constitutional or public office require substantial material for establishment. Charges can't be set solely on accusations.
This verdict is viewed as significant relief for Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and the Aam Aadmi Party. Previously, numerous leaders had faced imprisonment and rejected bail requests in this matter.
