SC Issues Notice on Bail Plea: Former Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia’s Case Takes New Turn
Ten News Network
New Delhi, July 14, 2023: The Supreme Court has issued notices to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) regarding separate bail pleas filed by former Delhi deputy chief minister, Manish Sisodia, in connection with the alleged liquor policy irregularities case. The court has agreed to consider the interim prayer for urgent bail on July 28, taking into account Sisodia’s wife Seema Sisodia’s hospitalization.
A bench comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Bela M Trivedi heard the plea. Earlier this week, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud agreed to list Sisodia’s plea on July 14. Sisodia’s senior advocate, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, highlighted his wife’s ill health and requested an urgent listing.
Sisodia has approached the Supreme Court seeking bail in cases filed by the CBI and ED, relating to alleged irregularities in the Delhi excise policy. He has challenged the Delhi High Court’s order rejecting his bail plea.
Recently, the Delhi High Court denied Sisodia bail in both cases. In its July 3, 2023 order regarding the ED case, the High Court stated that considering the accused’s high political positions and his role in the ruling party in Delhi, the possibility of influencing witnesses cannot be ruled out.
During the arguments, the CBI opposed Sisodia’s bail plea, emphasizing his close connections with the executive, offices, and bureaucrats, and asserting his influence and clout. The CBI claimed that Sisodia’s party colleagues in high positions continued to make factually incorrect claims to influence the investigation and present him as a victim of political vendetta.
In February 2023, Sisodia was arrested by the CBI for alleged irregularities in the formulation and implementation of Delhi’s new excise policy, which was later withdrawn amid opposition allegations of foul play. Currently, Sisodia remains in judicial custody.
According to the CBI, Sisodia played a crucial role in the criminal conspiracy and was deeply involved in formulating and implementing the policy to achieve the objectives of the said conspiracy.
