A Delhi court has reserved its decision on the bail pleas of AAP leader Manish Sisodia in corruption and money laundering cases related to the alleged Delhi excise policy. The court, after hearing arguments from the CBI, ED, and Sisodia’s counsel, set April 30 as the date for the order. Sisodia, who also filed interim bail pleas for campaigning in Lok Sabha polls, faces allegations of irregularities and undue favours in the excise policy modifications.
A Delhi court, presided over by Special Judge Kaveri Baweja for CBI and ED cases, has reserved its decision on the bail pleas of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Manish Sisodia in corruption and money laundering cases linked to the alleged Delhi excise policy. The court’s decision follows extensive arguments presented by the central probe agencies and Sisodia’s legal representatives.
The hearing, held on Saturday, witnessed both the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) outlining allegations against Sisodia regarding irregularities in the modification of Delhi’s Excise Policy. The accusations include extending undue favours to license holders, waiving or reducing license fees, and extending licenses without proper authority approval.
The probe agencies further allege that the beneficiaries of these irregularities diverted illicit gains to accused officials and engaged in falsifying account records to avoid detection. These claims form the basis of the corruption and money laundering charges against Sisodia.
The legal proceedings also addressed Sisodia’s interim bail pleas, filed to facilitate his participation in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. However, Sisodia’s counsel informed the court that these interim pleas are now redundant given the court’s reservation of the regular bail plea.
Manish Sisodia, a former deputy chief minister of Delhi, was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on February 26, 2023, in connection with the alleged “scam” related to the excise policy modifications. Subsequently, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested him on March 9, 2023, on money laundering charges arising from the CBI’s FIR.
Sisodia’s resignation from the Delhi cabinet on February 28, 2023, amid these legal controversies adds a political dimension to the ongoing legal saga surrounding the alleged irregularities in Delhi’s Excise Policy modifications. The court has set April 30 as the date for the decision on Sisodia’s bail pleas, marking a crucial juncture in this high-profile case.
Sources By Agencies
