Clean Slate: Delhi Court Acquits Arvind Kejriwal and Others in Excise Policy Case
In a landmark verdict that has sent shockwaves through India’s political landscape, the Rouse Avenue Court has exonerated all 23 accused—including former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia—in the high-profile Delhi Excise Policy case investigated by the CBI.
The ruling effectively dismantles a legal saga that has dominated headlines for years, providing a massive shot of adrenaline to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership.
“No Evidence”: The Court’s Scathing Critique
Special Judge Jitendra Singh didn’t just dismiss the charges; he delivered a stinging rebuke to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The court found that the prosecution’s narrative was built on conjecture rather than concrete proof.
Key takeaways from the judgment include:
- Zero Criminal Intent: The court ruled that there was no “criminal conspiracy” or “mala fide intent” behind the creation of the now-scrapped liquor policy.
- The CBI’s “Imagination”: Judge Singh noted that the CBI attempted to manufacture a story of corruption where none existed. He described the prosecution’s theory as mere “guesswork.”
- Failed Prima Facie Case: The court highlighted that the CBI failed to establish even a basic case against Manish Sisodia, while Arvind Kejriwal (Accused No. 18) was implicated without a shred of tangible evidence.
- Witness Discrepancies: The judge pointed out significant gaps in the massive chargesheets filed by the agency, stating that witness testimonies failed to support the CBI’s claims of illegal activity.
“The Excise Policy lacked any grand conspiracy or criminal motive. The charges are devoid of merit,” the court stated, refusing to frame charges against any of the 23 accused, including BRS leader K. Kavitha.
An Emotional Vindication
For Arvind Kejriwal, the verdict was more than just a legal win; it was a personal restoration of his reputation. Visible moved after the court’s announcement, Kejriwal spoke to the media about the toll the investigation had taken.
“I am not corrupt,” a visibly emotional Kejriwal declared. “The court has affirmed that Manish Sisodia and I are honest.”
The sentiment was echoed by his family and party members. His wife, Sunita Kejriwal, took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a brief but powerful message: “Truth will always prevail.”
The Aftermath
This acquittal marks a historic turning point for AAP. After months of incarceration and intense public scrutiny, the party leaders have been legally cleared of the “liquor scam” label that the opposition had frequently used against them.
While the CBI may choose to appeal this decision in a higher court, the Rouse Avenue Court’s decision stands as a significant blow to the central agency’s credibility in this specific investigation.