Top Court Questions Delay in Trial Against AAP Leader Manish Sisodia
The Supreme Court on Monday asked the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to submit a fresh status report in the ongoing Delhi Excise Policy case, where Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia is a key accused. The apex court also inquired about the delay in completing the trial, urging central agencies to ensure “timely progress” in the high-profile money laundering probe.
🔍 What Happened in Court Today?
A two-judge bench comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta heard the matter related to Sisodia’s bail plea. The court expressed concern over the prolonged nature of the investigation and sought clarity on when the ED expected to file its final charge sheet.
The court directed Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to present a status report from the ED within two weeks. It also instructed the trial court to provide a timeline for the completion of the trial.
⚖️ Key Highlights from the Hearing
- The court questioned the ED on why the trial hasn’t progressed despite Sisodia being in custody for over a year.
- Justice Khanna noted: “A person has been in custody for a considerable period. There has to be some progress in the trial. You cannot just keep a person indefinitely.”
- The bench emphasized the need to balance the rights of the accused with the requirements of an ongoing investigation.
🧾 Background: What is the Delhi Excise Policy Case?
The Delhi Excise Policy 2021–22 was scrapped by the Delhi government after the Lieutenant Governor raised concerns over alleged irregularities in its implementation.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the ED launched probes into the alleged scam, which involves claims of corruption, cartelization, and money laundering. Sisodia was arrested in February 2023 and has since remained in judicial custody.
The agencies allege that kickbacks were paid to political functionaries in exchange for liquor licenses and that portions of these funds were used during the Goa elections.
⏳ What’s Next?
- The Supreme Court will take up the matter again in two weeks after the ED submits its status report.
- The court’s observations could also impact future bail hearings and shape the narrative around the timeline of the trial.
