A Delhi court on Wednesday extended till May 30, the judicial custody of Aam Aadmi Party leader Manish Sisodia, who was arrested in connection with the Delhi excise policy case.
Special Judge Kaveri Baweja of Rouse Avenue court extended Sisodia’s custody after he was produced before the court through video conference on the expiry of his judicial custody granted earlier.
The court also adjourned hearing the arguments on framing of charges against the Sisodia in light of the directions passed by the Delhi High Court, on the basis of the appeal filed by one of the accused Arun Pillai.
The counsel appearing for Sisodia argued that both ED and CBI were still making arrests when it came to the excise policy case, and there was no question of an early conclusion of the trial.
Earlier on May 14, the Delhi High Court had reserved its judgment in a bail plea lodged by former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister and senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia in liquor policy cases. The AAP leader has sought relief in cases initiated against him by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma reserved the order after hearing the arguments from both sides. Manish Sisodia was arrested by the ED in February 2023 and a month later by the CBI. Senior Advocate Dayan Krishnan, appearing for Manish Sisodia said the criminal trial against Sisodia had not begun and was unlikely soon. Both the CBI and the ED were investigating the case.
The ED informed the court that the AAP would also be named in the case and a supplementary chargesheet would be filed soon. Opposing Manish Sisodia’s bail plea, the ED argued that while there have been 17 arrests, over 250 petitions have been filed, leading to the investigation officer’s frequent court appearances.
Countering the ED and the CBI’s submission, Sisodia’s counsel said three accused got bail in the case after his plea was rejected by the Supreme Court. He added that there is no threat as far as the leader running away is concerned. The nodal agency cannot escape the fact that they did not arrest the leader before filing the chargesheet, and he has been in custody for 14.5 months.
The CBI contended that Manish Sisodia’s party was in power and being an influential person, he was capable of tampering with witnesses and evidence. The lawyer added that Sisodia’s old mobile phone, which he allegedly used for formulating the scam, was still missing.
Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court on April 30 dismissed the second bail application moved by the AAP leader. AAP leader Manish Sisodia has been refused bail by a lower court, the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court.