Supreme Court Judge Steps Down from Manish Sisodia’s Bail Case

On Thursday, Supreme Court judge Sanjay Kumar recused himself from hearing Aam Aadmi Party leader Manish Sisodia’s petition. Sisodia is seeking to revive his plea challenging the Delhi High Court’s rejection of his bail in an excise policy case.

The case was initially listed before a three-judge bench including Justice Sanjiv Khanna, Justice Sanjay Karol, and Justice Sanjay Kumar. After Justice Kumar’s recusal, the bench, headed by Justice Khanna, decided to list the matter next week before an appropriate bench without Justice Kumar.

Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Sisodia, emphasized the urgency of the matter. Sisodia, the former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, has complained about delays in the trial’s commencement. The Supreme Court had previously allowed Sisodia to revive his bail plea after the final complaint or charge sheet was filed, which is expected by July 2024.

In February 2023, Sisodia was arrested by the CBI for alleged irregularities in the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy. The CBI claims that Sisodia played a crucial role in the criminal conspiracy related to the policy. He is currently in judicial custody.