Rouse Avenue Court Discharges Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia in Excise Policy Case, Cites Lack of Evidence
A Delhi court on Friday discharged former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, and 21 others in the Delhi excise policy case, ruling that there was no credible evidence or criminal intent to support the allegations made by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The order was issued by Special Judge Jitender Singh at the Rouse Avenue Court, which refused to take cognisance of the CBI’s chargesheet, stating that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against any of the accused.
Court Finds No Evidence of Conspiracy or Criminal Intent
In its ruling, the court said there was “no cogent evidence” against Kejriwal and “no prima facie case” against Sisodia or the other accused. The judge noted that the chargesheet contained inconsistencies and lacked corroboration through reliable evidence or witness testimony.
The court observed that the prosecution’s allegations were based on conjecture rather than concrete proof and said the theory of a larger conspiracy could not be sustained in the absence of material evidence. It also criticised the investigative approach, particularly the reliance on statements from approvers to fill gaps in the case.
The court concluded that the allegations failed judicial scrutiny and ordered the discharge of all 23 accused named in the case.
Court Questions Investigative Process
The judge expressed concern over the investigative methods used by the CBI, stating that granting pardon to an accused and then using their testimony to implicate others without independent evidence was improper. The court also said it would recommend a departmental inquiry into the investigation, particularly regarding the implication of certain officials without sufficient evidence.
Case Originated From 2021–22 Excise Policy
The case relates to the Delhi Excise Policy 2021–22 introduced by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, which was later withdrawn. The CBI had alleged that irregularities in the policy’s formulation and implementation favoured certain private entities and resulted in financial losses to the government.
According to the agency, the policy included provisions that allegedly reduced licence fees, fixed profit margins, and provided undue benefits to select licensees. The CBI also claimed that a criminal conspiracy was involved in shaping the policy.
Legal Battle May Continue
Following the court’s decision, sources in the investigative agency indicated that the CBI may challenge the ruling before the Delhi High Court.
Reacting to the verdict, Kejriwal said the decision reaffirmed his faith in the judicial system and maintained that the allegations against him and his colleagues were unfounded.
The ruling marks a significant development in the high-profile case, which had drawn national attention and sparked political debate over governance, accountability, and investigative procedures.