Supreme Court Seeks ED Response on Manish Sisodia Bail Plea in Excise Policy Case

The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Enforcement Directorate regarding AAP leader Manish Sisodia's petition challenging the Delhi High Court's rejection of his bail plea in an excise policy money laundering case. The hearing is set for July 29, as the Supreme Court seeks ED's response.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued a notice to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) concerning AAP leader Manish Sisodia's petition challenging the Delhi High Court's decision to reject his bail plea in the excise policy money laundering case. A bench of justices BR Gavai, Sanjay Karol, and KV Viswanathan has sought a response from the probe agency and listed the matter for a hearing on July 29.

On July 11, Supreme Court Judge Justice Sanjay Kumar recused himself from hearing Sisodia's petition, which seeks to revive his challenge to the Delhi High Court's order. Following his recusal, a bench led by Justice Sanjiv Khanna adjourned the matter. The issue was subsequently listed before a three-judge bench comprising Justice Sanjiv Khanna, Justice Sanjay Karol, and Justice Sanjay Kumar. The Supreme Court has decided to reassign the case to a different bench as Justice Kumar opted out for personal reasons.

During the Thursday hearing, Justice Khanna noted that his colleague Justice Kumar would not like to participate due to personal reasons. Former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Sisodia has approached the Supreme Court to revive his bail plea, citing delays in the trial's commencement for the excise policy case.

Senior Advocate Singhvi informed the court that the probe agency stated on June 4 that the investigation into the excise policy case would be completed, and a final complaint/charge sheet filed by July 3, 2024. Following the charge sheet's filing, the trial court would be able to proceed expeditiously. The top court granted Sisodia the liberty to renew his bail application once the charge sheet is filed.

Sisodia is now requesting the revival of his application against the Delhi High Court's dismissal of his bail plea. The Chief Justice of India on Tuesday assured Sisodia's counsel that the matter would be reviewed and advised them to rectify any procedural defects.

In February 2023, the CBI arrested Sisodia for purported irregularities in the drafting and implementation of the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy. The policy was retracted amid opposition allegations of corruption. Currently in judicial custody, Sisodia is alleged by the CBI to have played a crucial role in the criminal conspiracy, significantly influencing the policy's formulation and execution to further the conspiracy's objectives.

(With inputs from agencies.)