Delhi Court Acquits AAP Leaders in Liquor Policy Case Amidst Criticism of CBI
Court Ruling on AAP Leaders
A court in Delhi has cleared Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, along with K Kavitha, the founder of Telangana Jagruthi, and 20 other individuals implicated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the liquor policy case.
The court's extensive 598-page ruling criticized the CBI for its investigative methods, highlighting numerous shortcomings in the case.
It emphasized that Kejriwal and Sisodia were accused without substantial evidence and noted the absence of any overarching conspiracy or criminal intent related to the excise policy.
Key Points from the Court's Judgment:
Judge Jitendra Singh pointed out that the allegations against Kejriwal relied solely on the testimony of one approver, Magunta Sreenivasulu Reddy. The judge remarked that while this statement was purportedly made in front of multiple witnesses, these individuals were either not examined or not included in the charge-sheet, raising serious concerns about the investigation's integrity.
Regarding Sisodia, the judge stated that the CBI failed to present any prima facie evidence against him. The connections drawn to alleged financial transactions were based on inference rather than admissible proof, which could set a dangerous precedent if allowed to go unchecked.
The judge criticized the use of the term “South Group” by investigators, labeling it an arbitrary classification that lacked legal basis. He noted that no similar regional descriptor was used for other accused individuals, questioning the fairness of the prosecution's narrative.
The court asserted that CBI or Enforcement Directorate investigations should not encroach upon the political sphere based on claims of excessive electoral spending, as this could lead to the criminalization of political competition and undermine free elections.
Finally, the judge remarked that once an individual's liberty is compromised, it cannot be adequately restored by a later acquittal. He stressed that maintaining a balance between investigative authority and personal liberty is essential for upholding the rule of law and public trust in the justice system.
The CBI has announced plans to challenge the court's decision in the Delhi High Court.
Kejriwal had spent approximately five months in custody, while Sisodia was incarcerated for 17 months.
In March 2024, Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate, and although he received interim bail from the Supreme Court in July 2024, he remained in custody due to a subsequent arrest by the CBI in June 2024. He was ultimately released in September 2024 after the Supreme Court granted him bail in the CBI case.