Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia Cleared in Delhi Liquor Policy Case; Court Criticises CBI

In a major political and legal development, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia have been cleared of charges in the much-debated Delhi liquor policy case. The court not only granted relief to the senior leaders but also reportedly raised serious questions about the investigation conducted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The verdict marks a significant turning point in one of the most politically sensitive cases in recent years, which had triggered intense debates across the country and led to arrests, protests, and sharp exchanges between political parties.

Background: What Was the Delhi Liquor Policy Case?

The controversy revolves around the Delhi government’s now-scrapped excise policy, introduced in 2021. The policy aimed to reform the liquor trade in the national capital by:

Allowing private players to operate retail liquor stores
Reorganising licensing systems
Increasing revenue generation
Curbing illegal liquor sales

However, the policy soon came under scrutiny after allegations surfaced claiming irregularities in license allocation and undue benefits to certain private entities. Following complaints, the matter was investigated by the CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED).

The Delhi government eventually withdrew the policy amid growing controversy.

Court’s Observations: Sharp Remarks Against the CBI

During the proceedings, the court reportedly made strong observations regarding the evidence presented by the CBI. It questioned whether the investigation had sufficiently established a direct link between the accused leaders and the alleged irregularities.

According to legal experts, the court emphasized:

Lack of concrete evidence
Insufficient proof of criminal intent
Failure to clearly establish financial wrongdoing

The ruling effectively cleared Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia of the charges at this stage, giving them substantial legal relief.

Timeline of Key Events

Date	Event
2021	Delhi Government introduces new excise policy
2022	Allegations of irregularities surface
2022	CBI registers case and begins investigation
2023	Arrests and questioning of key AAP leaders
2024	Policy withdrawn amid political pressure
Latest	Court clears Kejriwal and Sisodia, questions CBI case

Political Reactions Across the Spectrum

The verdict has triggered strong reactions from political parties.

AAP’s Stand

The Aam Aadmi Party termed the court’s decision as “a victory of truth.” Party leaders claimed the case was politically motivated and aimed at targeting opposition leaders ahead of key elections.

Supporters gathered outside party offices, celebrating the development and calling it vindication of their leadership.

BJP’s Response

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which had strongly criticised the Delhi government over the policy, maintained that investigations should continue wherever required. Party spokespersons emphasized that the legal process is ongoing and further proceedings may still unfold.

What This Means for Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia

For Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, the verdict strengthens his political position at a crucial time. The case had cast uncertainty over his administrative future and political credibility.

For former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who faced prolonged legal battles related to the policy, the relief is particularly significant. The case had severely impacted his political career and public image.

The ruling may now reshape political narratives in Delhi and beyond.

Legal Implications: Is the Case Completely Over?

While the court’s decision is a major setback for the investigative agency, legal experts caution that the matter may not be entirely closed.

Possible next steps include:

Appeal by investigative agencies
Further hearings in higher courts
Parallel proceedings by other agencies

However, at present, the ruling represents a clear legal victory for the two leaders.

Impact on Delhi Politics

The liquor policy case had become a central issue in Delhi’s political discourse. Its fallout included:

Administrative instability
Policy reversals
Political protests
National-level debates on federal agency powers

With this verdict, the AAP may attempt to consolidate its voter base by framing the outcome as proof of political targeting.

At the same time, opposition parties are likely to keep raising questions about governance and accountability.

Public Perception and Governance Questions

Beyond legal and political dimensions, the case also sparked public debate about:

Transparency in policymaking
Role of investigative agencies
Relationship between state governments and central agencies
Regulatory oversight in revenue-generating sectors

The controversy highlighted how policy reforms, especially in sectors like liquor regulation, can quickly become politically charged.

Broader Context: Liquor Policies and Revenue Models

Excise revenue forms a significant part of state government income in India. Many states periodically revise their liquor policies to:

Increase revenue
Reduce black-market sales
Improve distribution transparency

However, reforms in this sector often face scrutiny due to the high financial stakes involved.

The Delhi liquor policy case has now become one of the most prominent examples of how regulatory changes can trigger legal and political consequences.

What Happens Next?

The coming weeks will be crucial in determining:

Whether investigative agencies challenge the ruling
Political narratives in upcoming elections
Administrative reforms in Delhi’s excise system

For now, the court’s decision marks a pivotal chapter in a high-profile case that dominated headlines for months.

FAQs

1. What was the Delhi liquor policy case about?

The case revolved around alleged irregularities in the Delhi government’s 2021 excise policy, which restructured liquor sales and licensing in the capital.