NEW DELHI: Manish Sisodia, the leader of the AAP, received respite on Friday from the Supreme Court in a major development regarding his corruption and money laundering accusations pertaining to the purported Delhi excise policy scheme.
Sisodia, who has spent the last 17 months detained in Tihar prison, is anticipated to be released shortly.
According to the data that Bar and Bench put on X, the Supreme Court made the following significant findings during the hearing:
- Bail cannot be used as punishment
The bench, comprising justice BR Gavai and justice KV Viswanathan, emphasized that bail cannot be denied as a form of punishment. The court highlighted that Sisodia has been in custody for 17 months without a trial commencing, thus infringing on his right to a speedy trial. The justices noted that both the high court and trial court are playing safe in matters of bail and bail cannot be denied as a matter of punishment..
- Bail should be the rule, not jail
The Supreme Court bench stressed that it is time for lower courts to recognize that bail is the general principle and imprisonment is an exception. The court criticised the lower courts for not adhering to this principle and stated that it would be unjust to require Sisodia to return to the trial court for bail.
- No chance of trial being completed on time
The bench observed that there is no realistic prospect of the trial concluding in the near future. Keeping Sisodia in custody for an indefinite period due to delays in the trial would constitute a violation of his fundamental rights under Article 21 of the Constitution.
- Right to access documents
Regarding concerns about evidence tampering, the court noted that the case relies heavily on documentation, which has already been seized, minimising the risk of tampering. Nevertheless, the court affirmed Sisodia's right to access and review the extensive documents involved in the case.
The AAP celebrated the Supreme Court's verdict as a “triumph of truth” and expressed hope that other imprisoned party leaders would also receive justice.
In a post on X, party MP Raghav Chadha expressed his joy, stating, “Today, the entire nation rejoices as Manish Sisodia, the champion of Delhi's education revolution, has been granted bail. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Honorable Supreme Court.”
Chadha continued, “Manish ji was imprisoned for 530 days. His only ‘crime' was providing a brighter future for the children of the underprivileged. Dear children, your Manish uncle is coming back.”
AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh described the verdict as a blow to the “Centre's dictatorship.” He criticised the prolonged detention, saying, “He spent 17 months in jail, during which time he could have contributed to advancing education for children.”
