The Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, Manish Sisodia, has moved to the Supreme Court to challenge his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection to the alleged liquor scam case. Sisodia’s arrest came after a probe into the alleged irregularities in the excise department of the Delhi government. However as per the latest updates coming in Supreme Court has declined his request and asked his lawyer to take the matter to the high court.
The CBI claims that the Delhi government caused losses of over Rs 2,000 crore by adopting an “anti-competitive and discriminatory policy” in the grant of licenses for retail liquor outlets. Sisodia, who was the minister in charge of the excise department at the time, has denied the charges and has termed them “politically motivated.”
Manish Sisodia, the Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, has moved to the Supreme Court challenging his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the alleged liquor scam. The CBI had arrested Sisodia on February 22, 2023, for his alleged involvement in a scam related to the excise policy of the Delhi government. The arrest came as a shock to many, given Sisodia’s reputation as a clean politician. Let us take a closer look at the case and its various aspects.
The Alleged Scam and Sisodia’s Arrest
The alleged scam relates to the Delhi government’s excise policy, which was implemented in 2022. The CBI alleges that the policy was implemented in a way that benefited certain individuals and caused a loss to the exchequer. It is alleged that Sisodia, along with some other officials, was involved in the scam. Sisodia has denied the allegations, calling them politically motivated.
Sisodia’s arrest came as a surprise to many, given his reputation as an honest politician. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), to which Sisodia belongs, has called the arrest a political vendetta by the ruling party at the center. “The BJP is targeting Sisodia because he is a threat to them. They know that he is a clean politician who is working for the people of Delhi,” said AAP spokesperson Raghav Chadha.
Sisodia’s Bail Plea
Sisodia moved the Supreme Court seeking bail in the case. The plea was heard by a bench of Justice UU Lalit and Justice DY Chandrachud. During the hearing, Sisodia’s lawyer argued that the case against his client was weak and that he was being targeted because of his political affiliations. “There is no evidence against my client. He has been targeted because he belongs to the AAP,” said Sisodia’s lawyer.
The CBI, however, argued that Sisodia was involved in the scam and that his custodial interrogation was necessary. The agency also argued that Sisodia could influence the investigation if he was granted bail. The Supreme Court reserved its order on Sisodia’s bail plea.
The Political Angle
The arrest of Sisodia has raised questions about the political angle to the case. The AAP has alleged that the arrest is a political vendetta by the BJP, which is in power at the center. “The BJP is using the CBI to target our leaders. They are scared of us because we are working for the people of Delhi,” said AAP leader Sanjay Singh.
The BJP, however, has denied any political motive behind Sisodia’s arrest. “The CBI is an independent agency, and it is doing its job. The BJP has nothing to do with this case,” said BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra.
The Way Forward
The case against Sisodia is still ongoing, and how it will play out remains to be seen. However, the case has once again brought the issue of corruption in politics to the forefront. It is essential to ensure that politicians are held accountable for their actions and that corruption is not allowed to flourish. As the Supreme Court said in a recent judgment, “Corruption is a cancer that eats into the vitals of the society.”
The Current Status
Manish Sisodia’s battle with the CBI over his arrest in the alleged liquor scam has raised many questions. While the case is still ongoing, it has once again highlighted the issue of corruption in politics. It is essential to ensure that politicians are held accountable for their actions and that corruption is not allowed to flourish.
The court has declined Manish Sisodia’s request to over turn his arrest, the court has asked his lawyer to take the matter to high court for his bail. So in short he will remain in CBI custody. The most recent update is that Manish Sisodia and Satyendra Jain have given their respective resignations and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal has accepted their resignations from the post of cabinet ministers.
Sisodia has consistently maintained his innocence and stated that he is being targeted for political reasons. In a Tweet, he said, “I have full faith in the judiciary, and the truth will come out soon.”
Ending Note
The case against Manish Sisodia is complex, with allegations of corruption and political motivations at play. Sisodia’s battle with the CBI is ongoing, and the outcome of the case will have significant implications for his political career.
While the CBI has alleged that Sisodia was involved in the liquor scam, Sisodia has consistently denied these allegations. The Supreme Court will ultimately decide the outcome of the case, and it remains to be seen what its final verdict will be.
As with all legal cases, it is important to let the due process of law take its course and allow the judiciary to decide the outcome. In the meantime, Sisodia’s supporters and detractors will continue to watch the case closely.
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