Delhi High Court Rejects Bail for Manish Sisodia in Delhi Excise Policy Cases

Manish Sisodia, senior leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, faced a setback on Tuesday as the Delhi High Court denied bail in all cases related to alleged irregularities in the Delhi excise policy 2021-22. The decision follows the extension of Sisodia’s judicial custody till May 31 by the Rouse Avenue court.

The High Court’s ruling emphasized the absence of delay in the prosecution’s supply of documents and the trial court’s proceedings to frame charges. It dismissed Sisodia’s contention of considering the application on its merits, deeming it “meritless.” The court highlighted Sisodia’s alleged involvement in the destruction of electronic evidence and his influential status within the party, raising concerns about potential witness tampering.

During the hearing, the court criticized Sisodia’s handling of public feedback on the excise policy, stating that he orchestrated a scheme to manipulate responses under the guise of public opinion. It attributed corruption to Sisodia’s desire to frame the policy and dissemination of false information as feedback.

Despite Sisodia’s plea for bail, the court concluded that he failed to establish grounds warranting release. However, it granted permission for Sisodia to meet his wife, Seema, who is suffering from an acute attack of multiple sclerosis, under custody every week, subject to conditions set by the trial court.

Sisodia’s denial of bail marks a significant development in the ongoing legal battle surrounding the Delhi excise policy, underscoring the challenges faced by political figures entangled in corruption allegations. As the case progresses, it raises questions about accountability and the integrity of policymaking processes within the Indian political landscape.

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