Delhi Court Discharges Kejriwal, Sisodia in Excise Policy Case, Says Evidence Insufficient
In a major development in the Delhi excise policy controversy, a court at Rouse Avenue on Friday refused to frame charges against former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and other accused in the corruption case linked to the 2021–22 liquor policy. The court allowed their discharge pleas, holding that the investigation did not produce sufficient material to proceed with criminal charges, including conspiracy.
The trial court observed that the evidence placed on record did not disclose the commission of any criminal offence and was inadequate to justify framing charges. The ruling dealt a setback to the Central Bureau of Investigation, which had alleged irregularities in policy formulation, licensing norms and financial benefits to select liquor businesses.
The controversy centres on the Delhi government’s 2021–22 excise policy, introduced to reform liquor retail and later withdrawn amid allegations of procedural irregularities. The CBI registered a case in 2022, claiming policy provisions were modified to favour certain licensees through fee waivers and licence extensions.
Both Kejriwal and Sisodia were arrested during the probe but received bail from the Supreme Court of India in 2024. The apex court emphasised the right to a speedy trial, noting the scale of evidence and the large number of witnesses involved.
Central agencies alleged that leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party accepted kickbacks from a business group often referred to as the “South Group” in exchange for policy concessions. Investigators argued that the alleged irregular implementation caused losses to the public exchequer and involved manipulation of licensing rules and exemptions.
Parallel money-laundering proceedings were also pursued, with the Supreme Court granting interim relief while directing the accused to cooperate with investigations.
The discharge order marks a critical turning point in one of India’s most politically charged corruption investigations. Legal experts say the ruling highlights the evidentiary threshold required before criminal trials begin, particularly in policy-linked cases involving complex financial and administrative decisions.
However, the matter may not end here, as investigative agencies retain the option to challenge the decision in higher courts.
While the court’s order removes the immediate prospect of trial for the accused, appeals could keep the case active. The decision is expected to influence political narratives ahead of upcoming elections and shape debates around the role of investigative agencies in governance disputes.