In a significant turn of events, the Supreme Court has granted bail to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Sanjay Singh in connection with the alleged Delhi liquor policy scam, shedding light on the ongoing legal battle surrounding the case. The bail order comes amidst a tumultuous period for the AAP, marked by the arrest of key figures and a leadership vacuum within the party.
Sanjay Singh, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in October last year, found relief as a bench comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna, Dipankar Datta, and P B Varale ordered his release. The ED, during the court proceedings, expressed no objection to Singh’s bail, leading to the apex court’s decision. However, the court clarified that its ruling didn’t express any opinion on the merits of the case, leaving the determination of bail conditions to the trial court.
The arrest stemmed from allegations that Singh played a pivotal role in the execution of the now-scrapped liquor policy of 2021-22, which the Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government purportedly manipulated to favor certain individuals in exchange for a staggering bribe of Rs 100 crore. The case has garnered significant attention, with AAP Minister Atishi describing Singh’s bail as a “big day for democracy,” emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in governance.
Amidst the legal proceedings, Anita Singh, Sanjay Singh’s wife, expressed a mix of emotions upon her husband’s release. While acknowledging the relief, she lamented the continued detention of “her brothers” – Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and Satyendar Jain. Her poignant statement reflected the personal toll of the legal battle and underscored the family’s enduring faith in the judicial process.
The bail order marks a small victory for the AAP, which has been grappling with a leadership vacuum following the arrest of prominent leaders, including Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Kejriwal’s arrest on March 21 in connection with the same case further exacerbated the political turmoil within the party. Currently lodged in Tihar Jail under judicial custody until mid-April, Kejriwal’s detention has added complexity to the unfolding narrative surrounding the Delhi liquor policy scandal.
The developments surrounding Sanjay Singh’s bail underscore the multifaceted challenges faced by the AAP, ranging from legal battles to internal leadership dynamics. As the case progresses, it continues to shape the political landscape of Delhi, with implications extending beyond the immediate confines of the courtroom. Amidst the legal intricacies and political uncertainties, Anita Singh’s heartfelt reaction serves as a poignant reminder of the human dimension inherent in such high-stakes legal proceedings.