the Supreme Court granted bail to former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia in the Delhi liquor policy case. He had been in ED custody since February 26, 2023. Three days ago, a bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Vishwanath had reserved the order. Previously, the Delhi High Court had denied his bail petition. Sisodia must post a bond of Rs 10 lakh.

When granting bail to Sisodia, the Supreme Court noted that lower and high courts have been overly cautious about granting bail. The court emphasized that bail should not be used as a punishment and that bail is the rule, while jail is the exception. The court set three conditions for Sisodia’s bail: he must surrender his passport, post a bond of Rs 10 lakh, and provide two sureties.

Manish Sisodia was arrested in February 2023 

The last hearing in the case was on July 29, when the ED requested more time to file an affidavit. Following this, the Supreme Court postponed the hearing. Sisodia was arrested by the CBI on February 26 last year and by the ED on March 9. He resigned from the Delhi Cabinet two days after his arrest.

Supreme Court Rejects Restriction On Sisodia

During the Supreme Court hearing, ASG SV Raju, representing the investigating agencies, argued that Manish Sisodia should be barred from entering the Delhi CM office. The court responded that it could not impose such a restriction, emphasizing that freedom is a daily concern.

The court also stated that the triple test would not apply in this case because the issue is about delays in the trial. The lower court overlooked the right to a speedy trial and denied bail based on this delay.

After Manish Sisodia was granted bail, the Aam Aadmi Party celebrated, calling it a win by posting “Sach ki jeet hui” on X.