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The Supreme Court of India is set to deliver its judgment on August 9, 2024, regarding the bail pleas of Manish Sisodia, former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party leader. The decision follows extensive legal proceedings concerning the alleged liquor policy scam, with Sisodia challenging the earlier denial of bail.
A bench comprising Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan has reserved its judgment as of August 6. Justice Gavai will be responsible for pronouncing the final verdict. Sisodia’s bail applications are related to cases filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) under the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, respectively.
Sisodia’s legal team has appealed to the Supreme Court, contesting the Delhi High Court’s May 21 decision that rejected his second bail plea. Sisodia was initially arrested by the CBI on February 26, 2023, followed by his arrest by the ED on March 9, 2023. He is seeking bail in connection with the ongoing investigation into the alleged irregularities and corruption linked to Delhi’s liquor policy.
Earlier, in October 2023, the Supreme Court had dismissed Sisodia’s plea but allowed him the option to reapply for bail if there was no substantial progress in the trial within three months. Following the dismissal of his subsequent bail applications in the trial court and the Delhi High Court, Sisodia approached the Supreme Court once more.
On June 4, 2024, the Supreme Court had disposed of Sisodia’s previous bail plea, noting the Solicitor General’s assurance that the chargesheet in the liquor policy case would be filed by July 3, 2024. The Court granted Sisodia the liberty to renew his bail request after the chargesheet was filed, which led to the current proceedings.
The forthcoming judgment will be closely watched, given the high-profile nature of the case and its implications for Sisodia’s political career and legal standing.