NEW DELHI, Oct 30: In a significant legal setback for former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, the Supreme Court of India has declined his regular bail petitions in cases related to corruption and money laundering associated with the alleged Delhi excise policy scam. The court cited a tentative transfer of Rs 338 crore in the matter as a key factor in its decision. A bench comprising Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice SVN Bhatti stated that the trial in these cases is expected to conclude within six to eight months. However, if the trial progresses slowly or in a manner deemed unsatisfactory, Sisodia will have the option to reapply for bail in three months. The court also expressed reservations about certain aspects of the case and noted that several legal questions remained unanswered. The verdict comes after Sisodia’s arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on February 26 in connection with the alleged “scam.” He has been in custody since then, facing allegations of money laundering in addition to the corruption charges. The Delhi excise policy, implemented on November 17, 2021, was scrapped in September 2022 amid allegations of corruption, with investigating agencies claiming that it favored ineligible liquor license applicants for financial gain, leading to cartelization. However, both the Delhi Government and Sisodia have consistently denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the policy was designed to increase the city’s revenue share.
