Manish Sisodia's bail hearing deferred; CBI remand extended till Monday
Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court on Saturday listed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former deputy CM Manish Sisodia's bail plea for hearing on March 10 in the Delhi Liquor policy case, Live Law reported. The court has also asked the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to file its reply on the same. Meanwhile, Sisodia's CBI remand has been extended till Monday.
Why does this story matter?
The CBI arrested Sisodia on Sunday after questioning him for over eight hours in connection with alleged corruption in the AAP-led Delhi government's now-scrapped 2021-22 Delhi Liquor Policy case. The investigation agency has alleged that under the policy—which Sisodia was instrumental in formulating—the AAP extended undue favors to liquor traders in lieu of kickbacks, which the party used in election campaigning.
Hearing on Manish Sisodia's bail plea on March 10
While hearing the matter, judge MK Nagpal said, "Let the bail application be taken up on March 10 at 2:00 pm." He also asked the CBI to file its reply to Sisodia's bail application on March 10. Sisodia was arrested on charges of criminal conspiracy and falsification of accounts under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
What did Sisodia say in his bail plea?
Sisodia stated in his bail plea that he would appear before the CBI whenever called, arguing that detaining him would serve "no fruitful purpose" because all recoveries in the case have already been made. He also stated that other accused in this case had already been granted bail, and that he had held the important constitutional position of deputy chief minister of Delhi.
Watch: Protest by AAP workers as Manish Sisodia reaches court
Court had observed that Sisodia's custody will ensure 'genuine' answers
On Monday, the court granted CBI Sisodia's custody, saying that the investigation was intended to gather "genuine and legitimate" answers to ensure a fair probe. Observing that Sisodia had previously joined the investigation on two occasions but had failed to provide satisfactory answers, judge MK Nagpal approved the plea for custodial interrogation.
Supreme Court had rejected AAP leader's bail plea
Then on Tuesday, the Supreme Court refused to hear Sisodia's bail application, with Chief Justice (CJI) DY Chandrachud directing his counsel to petition the Delhi High Court for bail against his arrest by the CBI. Following the suggestion, the AAP stated it will file a petition with the Delhi HC.
Sisodia wasn't named in CBI's chargesheet
Last year, the CBI raided Sisodia's home and 30 other locations, including his bank lockers. Sisodia claimed that the investigation agency "found nothing" to incriminate him. Despite being named as the key accused, he did not appear in the CBI's chargesheet. Sisodia and the AAP claimed that it was a plot by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to harass its political rivals.
