Delhi Court Drops CBI Case Against Kejriwal, Sisodia and All 23 Accused in Excise Policy Matter

Delhi Court Drops CBI Case Against Kejriwal, Sisodia and All 23 Accused in Excise Policy Matter

New Delhi , 27 Feb : A Delhi court has quashed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) case against all 23 individuals, including former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and ex-Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, in connection with the controversial Delhi excise (liquor) policy case.

The Rouse Avenue Court ruled that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case, finding no evidence of conspiracy or criminal intent in framing or implementing the excise policy.

The court heavily criticised the CBI’s investigation, particularly its reliance on approver statements, and said the chargesheet did not survive judicial scrutiny. A departmental inquiry against the investigating officer has also been recommended.

This decision brings significant legal relief to the accused, whose arrests and prolonged detentions had drawn political attention.

Key Points

The court discharged all 23 accused, including Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, closing the CBI case due to lack of evidence.

It found no overarching conspiracy or criminal intent in the excise policy, dismissing the prosecution’s theory as conjecture.

The judge criticised the investigative approach, especially the use of approver statements, and suggested a departmental probe against a CBI officer.

The excise policy, introduced in 2021–22 and later scrapped, had prompted allegations that it favoured certain liquor licensees — claims the court found unsubstantiated.

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