On Tuesday, June 4th, a vacation Bench of the Supreme Court declined to grant bail to AAP leader Manish Sisodia in connection with the Delhi liquor policy scam case.
The Bench, comprising Justices Sandeep Mehta and Aravind Kumar, took note of the Enforcement Directorate (ED)’s submission that the chargesheet in the case is scheduled to be filed by July 3, 2024.
The Supreme Court decided not to delve into the merits of the case at this stage and informed Sisodia that he could file a new bail petition. However, the court did not specify whether the bail petition should be filed before the trial court or the Supreme Court.
In its order, the Supreme Court stated, “We will not say anything. We will dispose with liberty to revive your prayers. We are not saying anything on merits and all contentions are left open. In both the CBI and ED cases, the order is (common) …. Ordered accordingly and disposed of. Statement of SG that final chargesheet will be filed by July 3 recorded.”
Expressing his objections to the court’s decision, advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Manish Sisodia, argued, “Liberty to move Supreme Court? I am inside for 15 months. Let me be very blunt; trial courts do not deal with politically sensitive matters (on time).”
Manish Sisodia was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in February last year in relation to the Delhi liquor policy case. His prolonged incarceration and the political sensitivities surrounding the case have been points of contention.
The refusal of bail comes as a significant development in the ongoing investigation, underscoring the gravity of the allegations and the complexities involved in the legal proceedings. The next key date in the case is July 3, 2024, when the ED is expected to file its final chargesheet.
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