Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi has categorically acquitted all accused, including AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, in the CBI case over the alleged excise policy graft. The verdict, delivered Friday, censures the probe agency for investigative shortcomings.
The leaders appeared personally, unlike several co-accused on video link. In a comprehensive judgment, the court invalidated the prosecution’s story, deeming it speculative and unsupported by facts.
Central to the critique was the chargesheet’s evidentiary voids—no witness tied to the alleged plot, no confessional proofs filed, and questionable lingo like ‘South Lobby.’ The policy itself, the judge ruled, harbored no conspiracy.
The controversy stemmed from 2021-22 reforms, flagged by ex-Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar, prompting LG Saxena’s CBI nod. This led to Sisodia’s arrest in early 2023 and Kejriwal’s dual agency custody later.
Beyond legal relief, the outcome bolsters AAP’s anti-corruption stance, potentially swaying voter sentiment. It highlights risks of rushed probes in politically charged environments, urging stronger standards for future cases.