Excise policy case: Court extends Sisodia’s judicial custody till 12 May

The Rouse Avenue Court on Thursday extended Manish Sisodia’s judicial custody in the CBI case involving alleged irregularities in the now-scrapped excise policy until May 12.

While extending judicial custody, Special Judge MK Nagpal also directed the CBI to provide an e-copy of the supplementary chargesheet filed by it on April 25. Manish Sisodia’s lawyer, Advocate Rishikesh, argued that because of an “incomplete chargesheet/incomplete investigation,” his client is entitled to “statutory/default bail” under Supreme Court guidelines.

“Prima facie it seems the agency is saying that further investigation is required/pending. Therefore, we reserve the right to file an application for statutory bail,” he said.

The Delhi High Court asked the CBI why they had not mentioned that the investigation into Sisodia had been completed. “You say you have filed a supplementary chargesheet (in the stipulated time), but you have said the investigation is pending in the case. Why have you not mentioned that the chargesheet is filed on completion of the investigation against Sisodia?”

The court noted Sisodia’s counsel’s submission that they need a copy of the chargesheet to determine whether the investigation into Sisodia is complete. It stated that, while this is not the time to provide a copy of the chargesheet, an e-copy of the same should be provided.

The court noted that the bail hearing in the CBI case is still ongoing in the Delhi High Court and that “aspects from this” could be used to seek bail in the High Court.