Indian Court Discharges Kejriwal in Excise Policy Case
Former CM Breaks Down, Says ‘Truth Has Prevailed’
New Delhi, Feb 27, KNT: A Delhi court on Friday discharged Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in the high-profile Delhi excise policy case, bringing significant relief to the party leadership.
The order was passed by the Rouse Avenue Court, which declined to take cognisance of the charges, observing that the material placed on record was insufficient to proceed against the accused in the alleged excise policy irregularities case.
Shortly after the verdict, Kejriwal became visibly emotional while addressing supporters and media persons outside the court premises. He stated that the judiciary had upheld the truth and reiterated that he had consistently maintained his innocence. Sisodia and other co-accused were also discharged in the matter.
The case pertained to alleged irregularities in the formulation and implementation of the now-scrapped Delhi liquor excise policy, which had triggered a prolonged investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation and other agencies.
Legal sources indicated that the CBI is likely to challenge the discharge order before the Delhi High Court. No immediate statement was issued by the agency following the court’s decision.
The verdict marks a major political development, as the case had remained at the centre of intense political contestation and legal scrutiny over the past several months. [KNT]
