In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court granted bail to former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Friday, providing a major relief for the jailed Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader.
This decision came after Sisodia had spent over 17 months in incarceration without the commencement of a trial in the high-profile liquor policy case.
The bench, led by Justice B R Gavai, highlighted the prolonged deprivation of Sisodia’s right to a speedy trial as a key factor in their decision.
Justice Gavai emphasized, “In matters concerning liberty, every day counts,” underscoring the delay in proceedings as a critical issue.
The court had reserved judgment on Tuesday after hearing arguments from Additional Solicitor General (ASG) S V Raju, representing the central agencies, and senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who represented Sisodia.
Key Arguments & Court Proceedings
The ASG presented claims that the AAP allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs 100 crore for Goa elections, with Rs 45 crore traced so far.
The central agencies however contended that Sisodia, who oversaw the Excise Department, orchestrated financial kickbacks.
ASG Raju asserted, “There is substantial digital evidence linking Sisodia to the alleged bribes. He was instrumental in managing the financial transactions and directed specific actions related to the case.”
He further claimed that Sisodia’s involvement included engineering emails and directing interns to write specific content.
Contrarily, Singhvi argued for Sisodia’s release on the grounds of the prolonged detention and delays in trial proceedings.
He also highlighted Sisodia’s family circumstances, noting his wife’s severe medical condition and the need for Sisodia’s presence at home.
Previously, the Supreme Court had denied Sisodia bail in October of the previous year, but had suggested that he could reapply if the trial continued to be delayed.
Earlier this year, the Rouse Avenue Court had similarly denied Sisodia’s request for regular bail, attributing delays in the case to his actions.
Further appeals to the Delhi High Court also failed, with the court determining that Sisodia did not meet the criteria for bail under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
The Supreme Court addressed Sisodia’s special leave petitions last month, disposing of them after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta undertook to file the final charge sheet by 3 July.
In the interim, the court has extended Sisodia’s judicial custody until 9 August for the corruption case and 13 August for the money laundering case.
Sisodia appeared in court via video conferencing from Tihar Jail, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing legal saga.
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