SC Judge Recuses Himself From Hearing Sisodia’s Bail Pleas In Liquor Policy Scam

On Thursday, Supreme Court judge Justice Sanjay Kumar recused himself from hearing the bail plea of senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia in the alleged liquor policy scam. Justice Sanjiv Khanna, leading a three-judge Bench, informed senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who represents Sisodia, about Justice Kumar’s withdrawal.

Justice Khanna stated, “Dr. Singhvi, my brother Justice Kumar will not like to hear this matter for personal reasons.” Consequently, the case was scheduled to be listed in the week starting July 15 before a different Bench, pending directions from the Chief Justice of India (CJI), the master of the roster.

Earlier this week, Sisodia’s counsel requested urgent listing of his bail pleas from CJI DY Chandrachud. Sisodia was granted the liberty by the Supreme Court to revive his Special Leave Petitions challenging the denial of bail.

Last month, the Supreme Court disposed of Sisodia’s bail plea in corruption and money laundering cases after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta assured that the final charge sheet in the liquor policy case would be filed by July 3.

Previously, the Delhi High Court denied Sisodia bail, stating he failed the triple test for bail in the corruption case and the twin conditions under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. However, Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma of the High Court allowed Sisodia to continue meeting his ailing wife weekly, under the same terms set by the trial court.

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In March, the Supreme Court dismissed Sisodia’s curative petitions against the 2023 verdict denying him bail in the liquor policy case. The court’s October 30, 2023 judgment denied bail but allowed Sisodia to reapply if the trial proceeded slowly over the next three months.

Special Judge Kaveri Baweja of Rouse Avenue Court had denied Sisodia’s second request for regular bail on April 30. The trial court noted that delays were mainly due to Sisodia’s actions, refuting his claims of undue delay.

Meanwhile, a Delhi court last week extended Sisodia’s judicial custody in the excise policy case until July 15, as the investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) continues.