Former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, Manish Sisodia, has filed a plea before the Delhi High Court seeking bail in corruption and money laundering cases brought against him by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the alleged excise policy scam. The plea was made on Thursday and has been listed for an urgent hearing on Friday before a bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet PS Arora.
During the proceedings, Sisodia’s counsel, Advocates Rajat Bhardwaj and Mohd Irshad, emphasized that Sisodia, being an MLA, is entitled to an urgent hearing on his bail pleas. They urged the court to consider both the pleas promptly.
Sisodia’s move to approach the high court comes after his bail pleas were dismissed by a trial court on April 30. The trial court had rejected his bail applications in both the corruption and money laundering cases related to the alleged irregularities in the formulation and execution of the excise policy of 2021-22.
The special judge handling the case had refused to grant bail to Sisodia, stating that the stage was not appropriate for such relief. Now, Sisodia has challenged the trial court’s decision in the Delhi High Court, seeking a reversal of the dismissal of his bail pleas.
The allegations against Sisodia revolve around his involvement in the excise policy scam, wherein irregularities in the formulation and execution of the policy for the fiscal year 2021-22 have been highlighted. The CBI and the ED have been investigating the matter, leading to the filing of charges against him.
The urgency of the situation is evident from Sisodia’s move to approach the higher judiciary seeking bail. The outcome of the hearing scheduled for Friday could have significant implications for the ongoing legal proceedings against him.
Sisodia’s legal team is expected to argue vigorously for his bail, citing various grounds for his release. The hearing before the Delhi High Court will provide an opportunity for both the defense and the prosecution to present their arguments before the bench.
Given the nature of the allegations and the prominence of the accused, the case has attracted considerable attention. It also reflects the broader issue of corruption in governance, which remains a significant concern for Indian institutions and the public alike.
As the case unfolds, it will be closely watched not only for its legal ramifications but also for its potential impact on the political landscape of Delhi. Manish Sisodia’s quest for bail underscores the complex interplay between law, politics, and accountability in India’s democratic framework.
