Delhi excise policy case: SC seeks CBI and ED’s response on Sisodia’s bail plea; lists hearing for July 29

Delhi excise policy case: The Supreme Court on Tuesday has agreed to hear AAP leader Manish Sisodia's pleas seeking bail in the Delhi excise policy case. It has also issued a notice to the Enforcement Directorate, and has sought CBI's response in the case.

A bench of justices BR Gavai, Sanjay Karol and KV Viswanathan listed the matter for further hearing on July 29.

On July 11 Supreme Court's Judge Justice Sanjay Kumar recused himself from hearing AAP leader Manish Sisodia petition seeking revival of his plea. The AAP leader had filed a petition challenging the Delhi High Court order rejecting his bail plea in excise policy case.

Following Justice Sanjay Kumar's recusal, the bench headed by Justice Sanjiv Khanna adjourned the matter. It had been listed before a three-judge bench Justice Sanjiv Khanna, Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Sanjay Kumar. The apex court has directed to list the matter before an appropriate bench this week. 

Justice Khanna said that his brother judge Justice Kumar will not like to hear the matter for personal reasons, when the hearing began on Thursday.

Delhi's former deputy chief minister Sisodia has moved the Supreme Court seeking revival of his bail plea and complained about delay in commencement of trial in excise policy case.

Earlier, advocate Singhvi apprised the top court about June 4's order where the national probe agency had stated that the excise policy case investigation would be concluded, and final complaint/charge sheet would be filed at any rate on or before July 3. Following the filing, the trial court will be free to proceed with trial, reported ANI.

Same day, the top court had further granted Sisodia the liberty to revive his prayer afresh after filing of the charge sheet. 

The CBI had arrested Manish Sisodia on February 26, 2023, for his alleged role in the liquor policy case. In March 2023, the Enforcement Directorate arrested him in the money laundering case stemming from the CBI FIR.

According to the CBI, Sisodia had played the most important and vital role in the criminal conspiracy . He had been deeply involved in the formulation as well as the implementation of the excise policy case to meet his personal goals.

(with inputs from ANI)