The Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to businessman Amandeep Singh Dhall, marking the release of the last person held in the Delhi excise policy case. This high-profile investigation previously saw key Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders, including Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, jailed for months.
Prolonged Incarcerations Questioned by Apex Court
The Supreme Court’s bail order noted that Dhall’s continued detention would not serve any judicial purpose, especially as the trial with over 300 witnesses is yet to commence. Earlier, the Delhi High Court had granted Dhall bail in a related money laundering case. The court emphasized, “Bail is the rule and jail is the exception,” reaffirming the principle of liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution.
High-Profile Arrests and Political Ramifications
Among those previously detained were Kejriwal, arrested in a dramatic raid in March and later released by the Supreme Court in September; former Deputy CM Sisodia, who spent 17 months in jail before securing bail in August; and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, released after six months. The case also saw arrests of prominent politicians like BRS leader K Kavitha and key business figures connected to the excise policy.
AAP’s Vindication vs. BJP’s Criticism
While the AAP hails the bail orders as vindication of their stance, the BJP labels them procedural, asserting they are not proof of innocence. BJP leaders argue the case has highlighted misuse of power, while AAP defends that no evidence of bribery or money trails was established in court.
Policy Scrapped Amid Accusations of Corruption
The excise policy, introduced in 2021 to streamline Delhi’s alcohol industry, was rolled back following allegations of bribery in its implementation. Authorities accused involved parties of amassing over ₹300 crore by allegedly altering rules to favor certain vendors.
Supreme Court’s Stance on Fundamental Rights
The court’s rulings on bail reiterated that prolonged detentions without trial impede the right to personal liberty, emphasizing that “Bail should not be withheld as a form of punishment.” Highlighting Dhall’s 18-month detention, the court observed the burden of a lengthy trial with over 300 witnesses, indicating such extensive witness lists could delay justice.
The Last Chapter in a Lengthy Saga
With Dhall’s release, no individual remains incarcerated in connection with the now-defunct excise policy case, which has had significant political impact. The court’s focus on liberty over prolonged incarceration under Article 21 concludes a series of bail approvals, sparking discourse on the scope of stringent laws and their misuse in prolonged pre-trial detentions.