Delhi HC Gives Kejriwal, Sisodia Time to Respond to CBI Plea in Liquor Policy Case
New Delhi, March 16 (TheTrendingPeople): The Delhi High Court on Monday granted time to Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and other accused to file their responses to a petition filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation challenging their discharge in the alleged Delhi liquor policy case.
The matter was heard by Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, who asked the respondents whether they required time to submit replies to the CBI’s revision petition. The court subsequently allowed the request and scheduled the next hearing for April 6, while continuing the operation of the interim order.
Case Background
The case relates to the controversial 2021–22 Delhi excise policy, which was introduced by the Delhi government to reform the liquor trade and boost revenue in the national capital.
However, the policy was later withdrawn after allegations of irregularities surfaced. Following these claims, Vinai Kumar Saxena ordered an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation.
The probe agencies, including the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate, alleged that the policy gave undue benefits to certain private entities at the cost of public revenue.
Trial Court Discharge and CBI Challenge
On February 27, a trial court discharged all 23 accused persons, including Kejriwal, Sisodia, and K. Kavitha, while also criticising aspects of the CBI’s investigation.
The CBI subsequently challenged this order before the Delhi High Court. During earlier proceedings on March 9, Justice Sharma had observed prima facie that certain remarks made by the trial court against the investigating agency appeared erroneous.
The High Court had also stayed the trial court’s observations against the CBI officer involved in the investigation.
Arguments in Court
During Monday’s hearing, senior advocate N. Hariharan, representing Kejriwal, informed the court that the AAP leader had filed a Special Leave Petition (SLP) in the Supreme Court of India challenging the High Court’s order that stayed the trial court’s remarks.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the CBI, objected to the delay and argued that the agency strongly opposed the trial court’s order.
He told the court that the order under challenge should not remain on record longer than necessary and said the issue involved broader concerns beyond legal technicalities.
The court, however, allowed the respondents to file their replies before proceeding further with the matter.
Transfer Plea and Supreme Court Petition
The hearing also referred to Kejriwal’s earlier request seeking transfer of the case from Justice Sharma to another bench.
The AAP leader had written to the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court requesting the transfer, claiming concerns about impartiality in the proceedings. However, the request was declined.
Kejriwal subsequently moved the Supreme Court by filing a petition under Article 32 of the Constitution seeking the transfer of the case.
In addition, he has filed a separate petition challenging the High Court’s remarks regarding the trial court’s observations in the matter.
Earlier Arrests and Investigations
The case gained major political attention during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, when Kejriwal was arrested by the CBI on June 26, 2024, while already in the custody of the Enforcement Directorate in a related money-laundering case.
He was later granted bail by the Supreme Court after spending 156 days in custody.
Manish Sisodia was earlier arrested by the CBI on February 26, 2023, and subsequently by the Enforcement Directorate on March 9, 2023, in connection with the same policy case. Sisodia spent over 530 days in custody before securing relief.
Investigators have alleged that Sisodia and other officials played a key role in framing the excise policy and recommending decisions without proper approval, with the intention of favouring certain licensees after the tender process.
What Happens Next
With the High Court granting time to file replies, the case will now proceed in the coming weeks. The next hearing has been scheduled for April 6, when the court will examine the responses of the accused and the arguments presented by the CBI.
The outcome of the case could have significant political and legal implications, particularly given the high-profile nature of the investigation and its connection to major national political developments.
Our Final Thoughts
The Delhi liquor policy case remains one of the most politically sensitive investigations in recent years, involving senior political leaders and multiple central agencies. While the trial court’s decision to discharge the accused marked a significant development, the CBI’s challenge before the High Court ensures that the legal battle is far from over. As the matter moves through different judicial forums, the coming hearings will be closely watched for their potential impact on both the legal proceedings and the broader political landscape in Delhi.