“In this world, no matter how powerful one becomes, one cannot rise above Shiva Shakti. Truth always prevails,” she wrote in a post on X shortly after the verdict was pronounced.
Her remarks came after the Rouse Avenue Court discharged both Arvind Kejriwal and former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia in the alleged excise policy-linked corruption case. The court also refused to take cognisance of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) chargesheet.
Also read: Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia cleared in Delhi excise policy case by Rouse Avenue court
In its observations, the court said the alleged “central conspiratorial role” attributed to the two leaders could not be substantiated. It noted that the allegations had “failed judicial scrutiny” and found “no criminal intent” on the part of Sisodia, adding that the conspiracy theory “cannot survive against one constitutional authority.”
The order marks a significant legal development in a case that has dominated Delhi’s political landscape since 2022.
The case stems from the Delhi government’s Excise Policy 2021-22, introduced by the AAP government as a structural overhaul of the capital’s liquor trade. The policy ended the state’s role in retail liquor sales and allowed private players to operate retail outlets, while the government retained control over wholesale licensing and regulation.Following allegations of procedural lapses and financial irregularities, Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena recommended a CBI probe in 2022. The Delhi government later withdrew the policy and reverted to the previous excise regime.
Also read: Arvind Kejriwal breaks down after discharge in Delhi excise policy case
The CBI alleged irregularities in the policy’s modification and claimed that a “south lobby” had paid Rs 100 crore to influence it. The agency filed its first chargesheet in 2022, followed by multiple supplementary chargesheets. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) also launched a parallel money laundering investigation based on the CBI’s FIR.
Sisodia, who handled the excise portfolio, was arrested by the CBI in February 2023 and later resigned from the Delhi cabinet. Kejriwal was subsequently arrested by the ED in connection with the money laundering probe. Both leaders have consistently denied wrongdoing, calling the case politically motivated.
Friday’s court order provides major relief to the AAP leadership, even as the possibility of further legal proceedings remains open.
