Delhi Court Discharges Kejriwal and Others in Liquor Policy Case Amid Political Tensions

A recent ruling by a Delhi court has discharged former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and 22 others from the liquor policy case, igniting a wave of political reactions. Congress leaders have accused the BJP of using investigative agencies for political vendetta, while opposition figures like Akhilesh Yadav and MK Stalin have praised the court's decision. The BJP, however, maintains that the case may still face further legal scrutiny. This development raises questions about the intersection of politics and justice in India as the nation approaches upcoming elections.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 27, 2026, 18:40 IST

Court Ruling and Political Reactions

Following a Delhi court's decision to discharge former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal along with 22 others implicated in the liquor policy case, the Congress party expressed skepticism about the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) motives, suggesting that the legal actions against their 'convenient allies' would likely diminish as elections in Gujarat and Punjab approach.

With assembly elections anticipated in both states by 2027, Congress leader Pawan Khera remarked that the BJP's actions were part of a predictable pattern, likening the party to a 'shape-shifting serpent' with a singular aim: to eliminate Congress and establish a Congress-free India.

Khera further accused the ruling party of transforming political vendetta into governance, alleging that they manipulate investigative agencies as tools for electoral advantage.

Earlier, the Rouse Avenue Court ruled that there was no substantial evidence of a conspiracy or criminal intent related to the excise policy, criticizing the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for implicating Kejriwal and Aam Aadmi Party leader Manish Sisodia without adequate proof.

In light of the court's ruling, various opposition parties accused the BJP of weaponizing central investigative agencies against their leaders. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav described the ruling as a 'moral death sentence' for the BJP, asserting that truth and justice were on Kejriwal's side.

Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale congratulated Kejriwal and Sisodia, claiming the case was politically motivated to tarnish the reputations of opposition leaders.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin praised Kejriwal and Sisodia for their resilience, urging the BJP-led government to refrain from compromising the integrity of investigative agencies for political gain.

In contrast, BJP leaders indicated that the case may still undergo further legal examination. Party spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi stated that the court's acquittal of Kejriwal was based on insufficient evidence, labeling it a 'technical matter'.

Trivedi added, 'The CBI will take the next step on this case.' He emphasized that the party would respond comprehensively after reviewing the judgment. Amit Malviya, head of the party's media cell, remarked that it remains to be seen if the judgment will hold up under scrutiny in higher courts.