"Travesty Of Justice": Manish Sisodia Gets Bail, Supreme Court Slams Delay

Manish Sisodia was granted bail by the Supreme Court Friday morning - nearly 18 months after the ex-Delhi Deputy Chief Minister was arrested by the CBI in the alleged liquor policy case. In a powerful verdict the court said he is entitled to a "speedy trial" and that a rejection now would force him to work his way back up the system. "It would be like making him play snakes and ladders," the top court said.

Travesty Of Justice

"In a matter pertaining to the life and liberty of a citizen - which is one of the most sacrosanct rights guaranteed by the Constitution - a citizen cannot be made to run from pillar to post," the court said.

Mr Sisodia was arrested by the CBI on February 26, 2023, and by the Enforcement Directorate less than two weeks later. He has now been granted bail in both cases, with an irate Supreme Court stating he cannot stay in jail indefinitely while the prosecution works to an unconfirmed trial date.

A bench of Justice BR Gavai and Justice KV Viswanathan also said keeping the Aam Aadmi Party leader in jailed for an "unlimited time", without a trial, is in violation of his fundamental rights.

"Incarceration of 18 months... Trial not having even commenced and appellant has been deprived of right to speedy trial, " Justice Gavai said as he asked tough questions of the lower courts.

"Keeping appellant behind bars for unlimited time will deny fundamental right. Appellant has deep roots in society... no apprehension of fleeing. Anyway... conditions can be imposed."

Manish Sisodia could not be made to run "from pillar to post" to secure bail, the court said.

In May the Delhi High Court refused bail, reasoning he could influence witnesses and destroy evidence. The following month the Supreme Court also refused a plea, noting, though, that Mr Sisodia could revive his application once the ED and CBI file their final complaints.

Mr Kejriwal has already secured bail for his arrest by the ED. However, since he was re-arrested, by the CBI, days after his bail in the ED case was confirmed by the High Court, he is still behind bars.