Delhi Court Discharges Kejriwal and Sisodia in Excise Policy Case

In a significant legal development, a Delhi court has discharged former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and ex-Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia from the excise policy case, citing a lack of credible evidence. This ruling has ignited strong reactions from opposition leaders, who view it as a victory for truth and justice. The court's decision raises questions about the role of central investigative agencies in politically sensitive cases. As the political landscape reacts, the implications of this ruling could resonate throughout the national discourse on governance and accountability.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 27, 2026, 13:37 IST

Court Ruling Brings Relief to AAP Leaders

Guwahati, Feb 27: A significant development occurred when a Delhi court discharged former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and ex-Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia from the high-profile excise policy case. This ruling has sparked strong reactions from opposition figures, who hailed it as a triumph for truth and justice.

The Rouse Avenue Court declined to acknowledge the chargesheet submitted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding alleged corruption linked to the now-repealed Delhi liquor excise policy. In addition to Kejriwal and Sisodia, 21 other individuals were also discharged from the case.

The court remarked that the prosecution had not provided credible evidence to back the allegations or demonstrate any criminal conspiracy.

Special Judge Jitendra Singh highlighted significant gaps in the chargesheet, labeling several claims as misleading and lacking support from material evidence or witness accounts.

The court pointed out inconsistencies within the investigation and emphasized the necessity of a fair inquiry to guarantee a just trial. It noted that there was no prima facie case against Sisodia and no evidence linking him to the alleged crime, with no recovery made from him.

As for Kejriwal, the court found no substantial evidence to support the claims against him, asserting that implicating him without verified proof would contradict the principles of law. A comprehensive order from the court is anticipated.

This ruling elicited strong responses from opposition leaders, who scrutinized the involvement of central investigative agencies in politically sensitive matters. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh stated that the decision revealed a broader political conspiracy against the party's leadership.

In a social media post, Singh expressed, “The court has acquitted our leaders. It has been shown that a dangerous conspirator is in control of the country’s power. Who orchestrated a plot to tarnish the reputation of the nation’s most popular honest Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and the capable honest Education Minister Manish Sisodia. Our leaders faced torture in jail. An apology is owed to the nation.”

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi also praised the verdict, stating it proved that truth had triumphed despite political pressures. She remarked, “They confronted the lies, the propaganda, the toxic political agenda and ensured that truth and justice prevailed.”

Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra congratulated the AAP leadership and condemned the use of investigative agencies in political conflicts. She tweeted, “Satyameva Jayate. All your dirty tricks, your ED, your CBI — all these puppets will falter in the face of truth.”

The case has been a focal point of national political discussions for nearly two years, with both leaders previously arrested by the Enforcement Directorate and the CBI over allegations of providing undue advantages to certain liquor license holders. The agencies claimed that the policy led to financial losses and facilitated money laundering.