In a recent development in the Delhi liquor policy case, the Supreme Court has denied bail to senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader, Manish Sisodia.
This decision comes as a blow to Sisodia, who will remain in jail for the next six months. The court has tentatively established a money trail of ₹ 338 crore in the case and has ordered that the trial be completed within the next 6-8 months.
Money Trail Tentatively Established
The Supreme Court, in its decision, noted that a money trail of ₹ 338 crore has been tentatively established in the Delhi liquor policy case.
This revelation raises serious concerns about corruption and unlawful practices within the system. The court has deemed it necessary for the trial to proceed expeditiously, with a completion timeframe of 6-8 months.
Manish Sisodia, who is a top aide of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, has been in jail since February 26 in connection with the alleged liquor scam.
With the Supreme Court denying him bail, Sisodia now faces the prospect of remaining in jail for the next six months. However, if the trial proceeds slowly, he has the option to apply for bail again after three months.
Allegations of Corruption and Money Laundering
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) are investigating two separate cases against Manish Sisodia.
The CBI has alleged that liquor companies were involved in framing the now-scrapped excise policy, which would have resulted in significant profits for them.
A liquor lobby, known as the “South Group,” allegedly paid kickbacks to public servants, part of which was routed through money laundering activities.
Reacting to the Supreme Court’s decision, BJP MP Manoj Tiwari claimed that it proves the involvement of AAP leadership in corruption.
He further stated that more arrests of top AAP leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal, can be expected in the near future. The AAP, on the other hand, is yet to comment on this latest setback in the Supreme Court.
Impact on Delhi’s Governance
Manish Sisodia’s arrest has had far-reaching implications on the Delhi model of governance. As the former Deputy Chief Minister and a key member of the AAP, Sisodia’s resignation from the cabinet has left a void in the government’s functioning.
This development has further intensified the political landscape in Delhi and raised questions about the credibility of the party’s governance model.
The Supreme Court’s decision to deny bail to Manish Sisodia in the Delhi liquor policy case reinforces the gravity of the allegations against him.
With the tentatively established money trail of ₹ 338 crore, the court has deemed it necessary to expedite the trial process.
