Arvind Kejriwal Breaks Down On Camera, Says Court Called Him ‘Kattar Imaandaar’ - Watch

The Delhi excise policy case culminates with a court discharge for 23 accused, including Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, after ruling no overarching conspiracy or criminal intent. The decision frames ongoing political debate and affects perceptions of integrity surrounding the policy 2021-22.

The Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi on Friday discharged all 23 people accused in the CBI’s Delhi excise policy case, including former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, ruling there was no overarching conspiracy or criminal intent.

Soon after the verdict, Arvind Kejriwal addressed journalists and broke down during the interaction, visibly overwhelmed by the outcome. Manish Sisodia, who stood beside Kejriwal during the media briefing, tried to calm and console Kejriwal as cameras recorded the moment.

Kejriwal Gets Emotional After Court Verdict

While speaking to the media, Arvind Kejriwal rejected allegations of wrongdoing and read out the court’s observations on integrity. "I am not corrupt. The court has said that Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia are kattar imaandaar (completely honest)," the AAP national convenor said as emotions overtook the interaction.

The Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22, framed when the AAP-led government ran the city administration, had long faced scrutiny and political attacks. The policy changed how liquor sales were regulated, and became the basis for separate investigations by central agencies, including the CBI.

Delhi excise policy case: Allegations, findings and court reasoning

The CBI had claimed the Delhi excise policy caused financial loss to the state exchequer. Investigators alleged licence fees were reduced, profit margins fixed and rules tweaked to favour certain private companies, suggesting the policy design aimed to benefit a limited group.

Special Judge (PC Act) Jitender Singh, hearing the Delhi excise policy case at the Rouse Avenue Court, rejected the CBI’s theory of a wider conspiracy. The court held that the material did not show criminal intent behind drafting the excise policy, leading to discharge of all 23 accused.

The verdict in the Delhi excise policy case brings legal relief to Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia after sustained investigation and political debate. The court’s findings on lack of conspiracy and its remarks on honesty are likely to influence how the controversy is discussed in Delhi’s political space.