The Supreme Court of India has dismissed the curative petition filed by Manish Sisodia, former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, seeking bail in the liquor policy irregularities case. The bench, consisting of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud along with justices Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai, and SVN Bhatti, rejected the petition, citing no grounds within the parameters set by the court.
In its order dated March 13, the top court stated, “We have gone through the Curative Petitions and the connected documents. In our opinion, no case is made out within the parameters indicated in the decision of this Court in Rupa Ashok Hurra vs Ashok Hurra. The Curative Petitions are dismissed.”
This decision comes after earlier rejections of Sisodia’s bail pleas, including a review petition on December 13 and a bail plea dismissal on October 30, 2023. The court’s observations on the case highlighted allegations of changes in the excise policy aimed at facilitating kickbacks and bribes from wholesale distributors, leading to unjust enrichment at the expense of the government exchequer and consumers.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has alleged a conspiracy involving Vijay Nair, a middleman and AAP member, along with other individuals, including Butchi Babu, Arun Pillai, Abhishek Boinpally, and Sarath Reddy, to frame the excise policy to favor certain groups and promote cartelization. The court noted substantial amounts earned by wholesale distributors through excess commission/fee, constituting an offense under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Delhi High Court had previously denied Sisodia bail in both CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED) probes in July 2023. Sisodia was arrested by the CBI in February 2023 for alleged irregularities in the implementation of Delhi’s new excise policy, which was later withdrawn amid allegations of misconduct.
Currently in judicial custody, Sisodia’s legal battles continue amidst allegations and investigations related to the contentious liquor policy, highlighting ongoing legal scrutiny and accountability in public office.
Sources By Agencies