Manish Sisodia’s Bail Plea Opposed by ED and CBI in Liquor Policy Case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) opposed Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Manish Sisodia’s bail plea in the Supreme Court, alleging his deep involvement in the liquor policy scam.
Arguments Presented
Additional Solicitor General (ASG) SV Raju, representing the probe agencies, argued that Sisodia arbitrarily increased profit margins without reason and is not an innocent person picked up for political reasons. He emphasized that there is evidence pointing to Sisodia’s involvement and that he was responsible for all cabinet decisions as the Deputy Chief Minister with 18 portfolios.
Supreme Court’s Remarks
The Supreme Court, however, remarked that the prima facie guilt aspect might not be correct as the chargesheet is arguably based on suspicion. The court questioned the criminality of policy decisions and raised concerns about the difficulty elected governments might face in carrying out their duties if such decisions are deemed criminal.
Further Proceedings
The court asked where the probe agency would draw the line between policy and criminality. ASG Raju defended the case, stating that the issue was about increasing profits without accepting committee recommendations. He also mentioned the potential for Sisodia to use influence and tamper with evidence.
The matter was adjourned as the argument remained inconclusive. The Supreme Court was hearing Sisodia’s appeal challenging the Delhi High Court order that dismissed his bail plea in the cases being probed by the CBI and ED.
Background
Delhi’s former Deputy Chief Minister Sisodia has moved the Supreme Court seeking the revival of his bail plea and complained about the delay in the commencement of the trial in the excise policy case. Sisodia was arrested by the CBI in February 2023 for alleged irregularities in the framing and implementation of Delhi’s now-scrapped new excise policy. The policy was withdrawn amid allegations of foul play by the opposition. Sisodia is currently in judicial custody.
Doubts Revealed
Manish Sisodia -: Manish Sisodia is a leader from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and was the Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi.
Bail Plea -: A bail plea is a request made to the court to release someone from jail while they wait for their trial.
ED -: ED stands for Enforcement Directorate, a government agency in India that investigates financial crimes like money laundering.
CBI -: CBI stands for Central Bureau of Investigation, which is India’s main agency for investigating serious crimes like corruption and fraud.
Liquor Policy Case -: This case involves allegations that the rules for selling alcohol in Delhi were changed in a way that was unfair or illegal.
Supreme Court -: The Supreme Court is the highest court in India, where important legal cases are decided.
Additional Solicitor General SV Raju -: SV Raju is a senior lawyer who represents the government in important legal cases.
Arbitrarily -: Arbitrarily means doing something based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system.
Tamper with evidence -: Tampering with evidence means changing or hiding information that is important for a legal case.
Judicial custody -: Judicial custody means being kept in jail by order of the court while waiting for a trial.
Delhi High Court -: The Delhi High Court is a major court in Delhi that deals with important legal cases.