AAP Leader Manish Sisodia Seeks Interim Bail for Poll Campaigning Amidst Arrest in Delhi Excise Policy Scam Case

In a significant development, Manish Sisodia, a prominent leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and former deputy chief minister of Delhi, has moved a court seeking interim bail for poll campaigning. Sisodia, who has been arrested by both the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the alleged Delhi excise policy scam case, is seeking relief to participate in electoral activities.

The application for interim bail is expected to be heard by Special Judge Kaveri Baweja, who presides over cases related to the CBI and ED, later in the day. The arrests stem from allegations of irregularities in modifying the Delhi excise policy, with accusations of extending undue favors to license holders, waiving or reducing license fees, and extending licenses without proper authority.

Both the CBI and the ED have alleged that the beneficiaries of these irregularities diverted illegal gains to the accused officials and made false entries in their financial records to avoid detection. Sisodia, along with other officials, was arrested by the CBI on February 26, 2023, for his alleged involvement in the scam. The ED subsequently arrested him on March 9, 2023, in a related money-laundering case.

Sisodia’s resignation from the Delhi cabinet on February 28, 2023, came amidst mounting pressure and controversy surrounding the allegations. However, his move to seek interim bail for poll campaigning underscores the significance of his participation in electoral activities despite legal challenges. The outcome of this legal proceeding will undoubtedly have implications for both Sisodia and the AAP as they navigate through the political landscape ahead of upcoming elections.