Excise policy case: Manish Sisodia’s judicial custody extended till April 26

The Delhi court extended Manish Sisodia’s judicial custody, the leader of the AAP and a former deputy chief minister, till April 26 linked with money laundering case involving the purported excise policy scandal. Following his earlier extension of judicial detention, Sisodia made an appearance before Rouse Avenue Court Special Judge Kaveri Baweja.

The court announced that it will continue hearing Sisodia’s bail plea on April 20. Judge Baweja listened to arguments from Sisodia’s counsel and the representatives of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Previously, the ED accused Sisodia and other defendants of delaying the trial.

Sisodia’s counsel, Mohit Mathur, filed his bail application, citing a delay in completing the probe and asserting the absence of evidence linking his client to the alleged bribe money. Mathur emphasized that the purported proceeds of crime did not result in any loss to the exchequer or private consumers. He highlighted the delay in the trial, citing a six-month-old Supreme Court order permitting Sisodia to approach the court, indicating that the investigation should have concluded by now.

Drawing attention to the bail granted to another accused, Benoy Babu, Mathur argued for Sisodia’s release, noting that he no longer holds a position of influence. He underscored that Sisodia meets the triple test for bail, as outlined by the Supreme Court, and advocated for a swift trial. Mathur asserted that Sisodia’s eligibility for bail is evident, considering the fulfillment of all necessary conditions and the absence of any misuse of liberties, following the Supreme Court’s guidelines. The CBI counsel had previously informed the court that the investigation was at a critical juncture and releasing Sisodia on bail might hinder the ongoing probe.