Former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Manish Sisodia was released from Tihar Jail on Friday after being granted bail by the Supreme Court in connection with the Delhi excise policy case. His release comes after nearly 18 months of incarceration without a trial.
Sisodia's exit from the jail was marked by a warm reception from AAP leaders and workers who had gathered to welcome him. Amidst cheers of "Bharat mata ji jai!" and "Inquilab Zindabad!" From the crowd, Sisodia expressed his gratitude and emotion, stating, "Ever since this order came in the morning, every inch of my skin has been feeling indebted to Babasaheb. I don’t understand how I will pay off this debt to Babasaheb.”
The Supreme Court's decision to grant bail was delivered by a bench of justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan. The court imposed several conditions on Sisodia, including the surrender of his passport and a directive not to influence any witnesses involved in the case.
AAP leaders expressed their joy and relief over Sisodia's release. Punjab Minister Ram Shanker Sharma-Jimpa remarked, "He was lodged in Tihar Jail and he faced it all very bravely. All workers across India are happy. I have come all the way from Punjab…Everyone was waiting for this. It is a matter of great joy.”
During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) SV Raju, representing the probe agencies, voiced concerns that witnesses might be influenced. He noted that some key witnesses had yet to be examined and suggested that there was evidence Sisodia had destroyed phone records.
The ASG also criticised Sisodia for filing multiple miscellaneous applications, which he argued were related to the supply of unrelated documents, hindering the trial's progress.
The Supreme Court had earlier granted Sisodia the liberty to revive his plea after the final charge sheet was filed. Sisodia was arrested in February 2023 by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for his alleged involvement in irregularities related to the formulation and implementation of Delhi’s now-scrapped excise policy.
The policy, which had been intended to reform the state's liquor distribution system, was eventually withdrawn amid allegations of corruption and foul play raised by opposition parties.
According to the CBI, Sisodia played a crucial role in the alleged criminal conspiracy and was deeply involved in the policy's creation and execution to further the conspiracy's objectives.
Sisodia's release marks a significant moment for the Aam Aadmi Party, which has staunchly defended its leader against the allegations. As he steps out of jail, the political landscape surrounding the excise policy case continues to evolve, with the trial and further investigations expected to shed more light on the events that led to his arrest and prolonged detention.
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