A Delhi court on February 27, 2026, refused to frame charges against former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and others in a corruption probe linked to the alleged 2021–22 liquor excise policy, granting the accused’s plea for discharge and calling the outcome a setback for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The Rouse Avenue Court said the investigation had not produced sufficient evidence to proceed and found that the material did not disclose the commission of any criminal offence, including criminal conspiracy.
The court’s decision allows the accused to avoid being formally charged at this stage, though it does not finally determine guilt or innocence. Prosecutors have argued that irregularities in licensing and pricing under the excise policy caused significant losses to the public exchequer, and investigators allege manipulation of licence norms and exemptions. Central agencies have also accused leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), including Kejriwal and Sisodia, of accepting kickbacks from a cartel referred to in filings as the “South Group” in exchange for policy concessions favouring selected liquor licensees.
Both Kejriwal and Sisodia were previously arrested in connection with the liquor policy probe, but the Supreme Court granted them interim relief in 2024. The top court released Kejriwal on bail in September 2024, directing him to cooperate with trial proceedings and to refrain from commenting publicly on the merits of the case. In August 2024, the Supreme Court granted bail to Manish Sisodia after nearly 17 months in custody, noting that the complex trial-running to hundreds of witnesses and extensive documentary evidence-was unlikely to conclude soon and that prolonged detention would risk violating the right to a speedy trial.
The Rouse Avenue ruling on February 27, 2026 leaves the CBI’s allegations without framed charges for now; it may prompt prosecutors to reassess their evidence or seek further legal remedies while the accused remain free under the terms set by the Supreme Court. IANS.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2026/02/27/delhi-court-discharges-kejriwal-sisodia-in-liquor-policy-scam/
Category: NATIONAL,News Alert
Tags:
Publish Date: 2026-02-27 12:48:00
