Achi news desk-
Guwahati: A Delhi court has dismissed its decision on the second regular bail plea filed by former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Manish Sisodia in connection with the money laundering and corruption cases related to the liquor policy controversy. . As of now, Sisodia remains in judicial custody in both the cases.
Special Judge Kaveri Baweja of Rouse Avenue Courts reserved the verdict following arguments presented by advocate Vivek Jain for Sisodia, Zohab Hussain, special counsel for the Enforcement Directorate (ED), and prosecutor Pankaj Gupta for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The court is set to announce for his decision on April 30.
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Sisodia’s bail plea was earlier rejected by the trial court, the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court in both the ED and CBI cases. The AAP leader also filed interim bail pleas in both the cases to participate in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. However, Jain informed the court that the interim petition has become redundant as the regular bail admission is maintained.
CBI prosecutor Pankaj Gupta opposed the bail application, arguing that Sisodia did not meet the criteria for bail under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Gupta emphasized Sisodia’s political influence and status as the main accused, stating that he was not entitled to equality.
Gupta further argued that the allegations against Sisodia point to an alleged case of tampering with evidence and abuse of power, which could hamper the investigation. he claimed, "If bail is granted at this stage, it will serve his motive," Highlighting concerns about possible impact on further investigations and witnesses.
Jain urged the court to expedite the decision, citing the pending applications since February. Sisodia’s review petitions against the Supreme Court’s bail denials were also dismissed, along with his curative petitions.
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Sisodia was initially arrested by the CBI and the ED on February 26 and March 9 last year, respectively. The FIR filed by the CBI accused Sisodia and others of influencing decisions on the 2021-22 excise policy without proper authorization, allegedly in favor of certain licensees.
The Enforcement Directorate alleged collusion in the implementation of the excise policy in favor of private companies, without official approval. It alleged that Vijay Nair and others, acting on behalf of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, were involved in the coordination.
