The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has announced that it will challenge the decision of the Rouse Avenue Court acquitting former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia in the 2022 Delhi excise policy case.
The agency said the trial court overlooked key aspects of the investigation and will soon file an appeal before the Delhi High Court challenging the acquittal.
The CBI registered an FIR on 17 August 2022 against Manish Sisodia and others over alleged irregularities in the 2021–22 excise policy.
Investigators accused officials of tweaking provisions to favour select licensees, while agencies alleged that AAP leaders took kickbacks from the ‘South Group’.
The accused denied all charges, and the government later withdrew the policy.
On Friday, the Rouse Avenue Court refused to frame charges against Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and others.
The court allowed their discharge pleas, ruling that investigators had failed to produce sufficient evidence to proceed with a trial or establish any criminal offence, including conspiracy.
Authorities had earlier arrested both leaders, but the Supreme Court of India granted them bail in 2024.
The court granted Kejriwal bail in September 2024, directing him to cooperate with proceedings, while Sisodia secured bail in August 2024 after nearly 17 months in custody, with the court citing his right to a speedy trial.
After the verdict, Kejriwal called the case politically motivated and said the truth had prevailed. Sisodia stood by him as supporters gathered outside the court.
The CBI will now challenge the ruling in the High Court, taking the legal battle into its next phase.
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