AAP Ecstatic Over Manish Sisodia’s Bail After 17 Months In Jail

NEW DELHI, (IANS) – In a major relief for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the Supreme Court granted bail to former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on August 9 in the excise policy case.

Sisodia, who had been incarcerated for over 17 months, was arrested by the CBI on February 26, 2023, and subsequently by the Enforcement Directorate two weeks later. The Supreme Court’s decision, which included harsh observations about the conduct of investigative agencies, was met with jubilation by AAP leaders.

The Supreme Court bench, led by Justice B.R. Gavai, noted that Sisodia had been deprived of his right to a speedy trial, as the trial had not yet commenced despite his lengthy incarceration. “In the matter of liberty, every day counts,” remarked Justice Gavai.

The bench, which also included Justice K.V. Viswanathan, reserved its judgment after hearing arguments from Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju, representing the central agencies, and senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who appeared on Sisodia’s behalf.

AAP’s top leadership, including Raghav Chadha, Atishi, and Delhi Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj, expressed their joy over Sisodia’s bail. Chadha referred to Sisodia as the “hero of Delhi’s education revolution” and celebrated his imminent return, emphasizing the happiness it brought to the entire country. Atishi, overcome with emotion, quoted “Satymev Jayate” and highlighted the resilience of truth during the opening ceremony of a new school in Dwarka.

Outside the party office, Bhardwaj distributed sweets to celebrate the Supreme Court’s decision. Speaking to the media, he praised the court’s order and criticized the investigative agencies for conspiring to imprison Opposition leaders and delay their trials.