Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia Cleared of Charges in Delhi Liquor Policy Case
Rouse Avenue Court Says CBI Failed to Prove Allegations; Kejriwal Calls It “Truth’s Victory”
New Delhi: A Delhi court on Friday discharged former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in the Delhi excise policy case, ruling that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) failed to substantiate its allegations with credible evidence.
The order was delivered by the Rouse Avenue Court, where Special Judge Jitendra Singh observed that claims of a larger conspiracy and criminal intent did not withstand judicial scrutiny. The court noted that the documents on record reflected administrative deliberations rather than evidence of wrongdoing.
“There was no overarching conspiracy or criminal intent in the excise policy,” the court said, adding that serious allegations must be supported by material evidence.
While discharging Sisodia, the court said there was no material indicating criminal intent and that the prosecution’s case did not survive judicial examination. The court also discharged 21 other accused in the case.
The judge raised questions over the CBI’s investigation, pointing to alleged gaps in the probe and inconsistencies in the prosecution’s theory of an overarching conspiracy. The court also expressed reservations about the use of the term “South Group,” stating that it lacked clarity and proper evidentiary basis.
Reacting to the verdict, Kejriwal became emotional while addressing supporters and media. Standing beside Sisodia, he said, “Truth always prevails. I am very thankful to the judge who delivered justice to us. Truth has won.”
He described the case as the “biggest political conspiracy in independent India,” alleging that it was aimed at weakening the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Kejriwal also urged political parties not to “play with the Constitution for the sake of power.”
The excise policy case, investigated by the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate, had alleged irregularities in the 2021–22 liquor policy of the Delhi government. Both Kejriwal and Sisodia had denied all charges, calling them politically motivated.
The verdict marks a significant development in the high-profile case that had major political implications in the national capital.