In a seismic blow to the Central Bureau of Investigation's high-profile probe, a Delhi court on Friday discharged former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, his ex-deputy Manish Sisodia, Bharat Rashtra Samithi leader K Kavitha, and 20 others in the alleged Delhi excise policy 'scam'. Special Judge Jitendra Singh at Rouse Avenue Court refused to take cognisance of the CBI chargesheet, declaring it failed to establish even a "prima facie suspicion" of wrongdoing, let alone grave criminal intent.
The case, which rocked Indian politics for over two years, centered on accusations that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government's 2021-22 excise policy was rigged to favor a 'South Group' of liquor barons, allegedly funneling Rs 100 crore in kickbacks to AAP leaders. Kejriwal was branded the "key conspirator," Sisodia the architect, and Kavitha a pivotal 'South Group' member. But the court dismantled these claims, stating, "There is no overarching conspiracy or criminal intent in the excise policy," and highlighting "lacunae" in the CBI's evidence.
Kejriwal, who spent five months in jail, hailed the verdict as proof of the "biggest political conspiracy" in independent India, breaking down emotionally outside court. "Satyamev Jayate," he said, echoing AAP's triumphant refrain. He vowed to seek discharge in the parallel ED money-laundering probe and challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to fresh Delhi polls, promising to quit politics if BJP wins over 10 seats.
Sisodia, incarcerated for 17 months before bail, called it a victory for truth, while Kavitha slammed the case as a "web of lies" orchestrated to target opposition voices.
The discharge exposes the CBI's probe, launched amid BJP-led Centre's accusations, as politically motivated, per critics. Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin blasted the government: "Don't mortgage the integrity of central agencies." Trinamool Congress echoed, terming it "weaponisation exposed."
Hours later, the CBI filed an appeal in the Delhi High Court, asserting key investigation aspects were ignored and vowing to challenge the order swiftly.
The verdict ends a saga that toppled the AAP government and kept leaders in jail, potentially reshaping opposition dynamics.
This acquittal, following ED's parallel money-laundering case, could reshape AAP's fortunes ahead of polls, signalling judicial scrutiny on enforcement agencies' overreach. The policy, scrapped amid uproar, aimed to revamp Delhi's liquor trade but became a flashpoint for alleged corruption.
The Excise policy case
The case stems from a 2022 CBI FIR based on a complaint by the Delhi Chief Secretary over alleged irregularities and financial loss in the 2021-22 Delhi excise policy. The policy was reportedly drafted to favour certain private liquor licensees, with alleged kickbacks to political figures.
The CBI also investigated a suspected Rs 100-crore payment to influence the policy, while the Enforcement Directorate probed potential money laundering linked to it. Former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who oversaw the excise department, was arrested in early 2023, followed by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the related ED case.
CBI in soup
The Central Bureau of Investigation finds itself in hot water after a Delhi court's scathing dismissal of its excise policy case, discharging all 23 accused including Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia. Special Judge Jitendra Singh lambasted the CBI for "lapses in investigation," noting the chargesheet's failure to meet even basic evidentiary thresholds and questioning the agency's "conspiracy theory." It recommended a departmental inquiry against a CBI investigating officer (IO) for naming a public servant as an accused.
CBI officials, stung by the rebuke, vowed an immediate appeal to the Delhi High Court, claiming the trial court "ignored several aspects" of their probe. "We will challenge this order without delay," a spokesperson stated, defending the evidence of Rs 100 crore kickbacks.
Opposition parties piled on, with AAP labeling the CBI a "tool of vendetta." BJP countered, calling the discharge "technical" and questioning how charges were framed initially. The fallout raises alarms over agency independence, amplifying calls for accountability in high-stakes political cases.
Also read: Kejriwal, Sisodia acquitted in Delhi excise policy case
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