A Delhi court has extended the judicial custody of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia until July 22, as the investigation into the alleged excise policy scam continues.
Special Judge Kaveri Baweja issued the order at the Rouse Avenue Court, coinciding with the expiration of his previous custody period.
Insights Into Manish Sisodia’s Custody Case:
In a related update, Justice Sanjay Kumar of the Supreme Court recused himself from hearing Sisodia’s bail applications last week.
Justice Sanjiv Khanna, leading a three-judge bench, informed senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi about this development, stating, “My brother Justice Kumar will not like to hear this matter for personal reasons.”
The bail pleas are likely to be reschedule for the week beginning 15 July, under a different bench, following directives from the Chief Justice of India.
Previously, the Supreme Court had disposed of Sisodia’s pleas seeking bail in connection with corruption and money laundering cases, after the Solicitor General assured that the final charge sheet in the liquor policy case would be filed by 3 July.
The Delhi High Court had earlier denied bail to Sisodia, citing his failure to meet the required conditions under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and the ‘triple test’ for bail in corruption cases.
However, the High Court allowed Sisodia to continue visiting his ailing wife weekly, maintaining terms set by the trial court.
In March, the Supreme Court rejected Sisodia’s curative petitions related to earlier bail denials, indicating that he could reapply for bail if trial proceedings did not advance significantly over the next three months.
On 30 April, the Rouse Avenue Court had also denied Sisodia’s request for regular bail for a second time, noting that any delays in the proceedings were largely due to Sisodia’s own actions, thereby dismissing claims of undue delays.
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