The Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, 18 months after his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the alleged liquor policy case.
The ruling was delivered by a bench comprising Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan, who underscored the importance of a “speedy trial.”
In a significant observation, Justice Gavai noted that it would be a “travesty of justice to send him back to a trial court” given that “incarceration of 18 months” had already occurred without the trial even commencing.
He added that both the trial court and the High Court “ought to have given due weightage” to Sisodia’s right to a speedy trial.
Manish Sisodia, a prominent leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), was a key figure in the Delhi government, particularly known for his work in education reforms.
His arrest in the alleged liquor policy case, which involved accusations of corruption and irregularities in the implementation of Delhi’s excise policy, had sparked significant political controversy.
The Supreme Court’s decision marks a critical moment in the ongoing legal battle, as it emphasizes the importance of fair trial rights and the timely administration of justice.
Sisodia’s legal team had consistently argued that his prolonged detention was unjustified, given the lack of progress in the trial.