In a significant development, the Supreme Court of India granted bail to former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in the controversial Delhi excise policy case on Friday. The bail comes after 17 months of incarceration, marking a crucial moment in a case that has gripped the political landscape.
A bench comprising Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan ruled in favor of Sisodia, granting him regular bail in the cases investigated by both the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The court, while delivering its verdict, emphasized that it would be a “travesty of justice” to require Sisodia to seek bail from the trial court.
Conditions of Bail and Judicial Observations
The court directed Sisodia to furnish a bail bond of ₹10 lakh, accompanied by two sureties. Additionally, Sisodia is required to surrender his passport and report twice a week—on Mondays and Thursdays—to the Investigating Officer. The bench stressed that Sisodia must not attempt to influence witnesses or tamper with evidence, ensuring the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
The court’s decision is particularly notable as it refused to impose restrictions on Sisodia’s visits to the Delhi Secretariat or the Chief Minister’s office, a condition that had been applied to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal during a previous bail situation.
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Background of the Case
Manish Sisodia’s legal battles have been ongoing since his arrest in February 2023, following allegations of irregularities in the Delhi excise policy for the year 2021-22. The case, initiated by a complaint from Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena in July 2022, led to further investigations by both the CBI and ED. Sisodia has been accused of manipulating the excise policy to benefit certain licensees and of using kickbacks from the policy to fund the Aam Aadmi Party’s 2022 Punjab election campaign.
Sisodia’s Path to Bail
This marks the third time Sisodia approached the Supreme Court for bail. His previous attempts were unsuccessful, with the court rejecting his plea on October 30, 2022, though it allowed for a potential revival of the plea if the trial did not progress. As the trial faced delays, Sisodia filed another bail application, which was turned down by the Delhi High Court on May 21, 2023. Persistent in his efforts, Sisodia sought relief from the Supreme Court again in June, ultimately leading to the current decision.