Delhi Liqour Policy: SC Agrees To Reconsider Bail For Manish Sisodia, Judicial Custody Extended Again

In a significant development the the Supreme Court agreed to hear Former Delhi deputy-CM Manish Sisodia's curative petition as former AAP leader completes nearly a year behind bars.

The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to hear Former Delhi deputy-CM Manish Sisodia's curative petition against the top court previous order denying him bail in the alleged Delhi Liqour Policy scam. The Aam Admi Party (AAP) leader has been in jail for nearly a year. He was arrested in Februrary 2023.

Assurance from the top court came after Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi mentions it to the Chief Justice of India. Earlier, the top court had dismissed the review petition against the Supreme Court verdict that denied bail to Sisodia.

In another significant development on Monday, Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court extended judicial custody of Sisodia till February 22 in the CBI's case. 

The investigative agency told the Delhi court that investigation of 16 accused in the case has been completed and requested the court to proceed with the arguments on charges against the accused in the case.

The Delhi court directed the CBI to submit a detailed report in sealed cover on the aspect of the status of the investigation. The court also allowed Sisodia to meet his ailing wife once a week. His regular bail plea is also pending before the Delhi court and will be heard again on January 12.

Sisodia had moved the Delhi court seeking regular bail in the alleged Delhi Excise policy scam. He has also prayed for custody parole for two days to meet his ailing wife every week.

Sisodia was arrested in connection with the alleged Delhi Liquor Policy Scam by ED and CBI. Sisodia was previously denied interim bail by trial court and then the Delhi High Court. He then moved the top court against the high court order denying him bail. 

In October 2023, the Supreme Court dismissed his petition after hearing arguments at length. The top court had observed that, “One aspect regard to transfer of money ,338 crores, is tentatively established."   

However, the apex court had passed directions that the trial in the case should be finished within six to eight months. If the case goes at a slower pace then Sisodia will be entitled to apply for bail again within three months.