In a dramatic turn of events that sent shockwaves through the political landscape of the national capital, a Delhi court on Friday acquitted former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his former deputy Manish Sisodia in the high-profile corruption case linked to the now-defunct Delhi excise policy. The Rouse Avenue Court discharged all 23 accused in the case, handing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) a massive legal and political victory while triggering an immediate promise of appeal from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
As the verdict was pronounced, the courtroom atmosphere shifted from tense anticipation to jubilation for AAP supporters. But it was the sight of a visibly emotional Arvind Kejriwal outside the courtroom that became the defining image of the day.
'I am Kattar Imaandar': Kejriwal Breaks Down
Fighting back tears while addressing the media huddle outside the court, a choked-up Arvind Kejriwal struggled to maintain his composure as he hit out at the central government. "For the past few years, the BJP has been levelling accusations against us. Today, the court dismissed all charges. I am deeply grateful to the judge who gave us justice. Truth has prevailed," he said, his voice cracking with emotion.
In a moment that resonated with party workers, Kejriwal declared his integrity in no uncertain terms. "I am kattar imaandar (extremely honest). Modi and Amit Shah together hatched the biggest political conspiracy in independent India. Five of AAP's most prominent leaders were jailed to destroy the party. A sitting Chief Minister was dragged from his home and imprisoned for six months," he added as tears streamed down his face.
Manish Sisodia, who spent nearly two years in judicial custody, echoed the sentiment. "The country has seen how central agencies were misused. We knocked on the doors of the court, and the court has protected us," Sisodia said after the verdict.
'No Overarching Conspiracy': What the Court Said
Special Judge Jitendra Singh, while passing the order closing the case initiated by the CBI, made observations that pulled up the investigating agency. The court ruled that there was "no overarching conspiracy or criminal intent in the excise policy."
In a sharp rebuke to the probe agency, the court directed a departmental inquiry against specific CBI officials. The judge criticized the agency for building its case primarily through approver statements, calling the practice a "grave violation of Constitutional principles."
"The conduct where an accused is granted pardon and then made an approver, his statements used to fill the gaps in the investigation and make additional people accused, is wrong," the court observed, effectively dismantling the core of the prosecution's case.
The Political Fallout: Celebrations and Challenges
As news of the acquittal spread, celebrations erupted outside Kejriwal's residence and at AAP offices across the country. Party workers burst crackers, distributed sweets, and chanted slogans hailing the "victory of truth."
Sunita Kejriwal, the former CM's wife, posted on X: "In this world, no matter how powerful one becomes, one cannot rise above Shiva Shakti. Truth always prevails." Former Delhi CM Atishi added, "No matter how many false accusations are made, no matter how much oppression is carried out, in the end, truth prevails."
However, the legal battle is far from over. CBI sources confirmed that the agency will immediately move the Delhi High Court challenging the trial court's order. A CBI spokesperson stated that key aspects of the investigation were not adequately considered and that the evidence collected during the probe had established key elements of the alleged irregularities.
BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya was quick to point out that the verdict came from a lower court on technical grounds. "The legal process is not over yet. If Kejriwal was honest, why was the policy withdrawn after signs of irregularities?" he questioned.
What Was the Liquor Policy Case?
The case dates back to 2022 when the CBI filed an FIR based on a complaint by then Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena. The probe alleged that the 2021-22 Excise Policy was manipulated to enable liquor trade monopolization and cartelization, with AAP leaders allegedly receiving kickbacks.
Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on March 21, 2024, and later by the CBI on June 26. The Supreme Court granted him bail in July 2024 after he spent five months in jail. Friday's verdict now acquits him and 22 others of all charges in the CBI case, though the agency's impending appeal in the High Court means the legal saga continues.
For now, AAP is savoring what it calls a "historic victory," with party MP Sanjay Singh demanding an apology from Prime Minister Modi. As the dust settles on one of the most politically charged cases in recent history, the verdict has reignited debates on the misuse of investigative agencies—a conversation that is far from over.
