Background: Manish Sisodia, a senior leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, has been in custody since February 26, 2023. The charges stem from allegations that the Delhi government manipulated the excise policy to favor certain liquor vendors in exchange for bribes. These bribes were allegedly used to fund the AAP's electoral campaigns in Goa. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the ED are jointly probing the case.
Initial Bail Pleas: Sisodia's initial attempts to secure bail were met with resistance. His bail plea in the CBI case was rejected by a trial court on March 31, 2023. Subsequently, his bail application in the ED case was also rejected on April 28, 2023. The Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court later upheld these decisions, maintaining that Sisodia could apply for bail again if the trial did not progress at a reasonable pace.
Second Round of Bail Applications: Despite the initial setbacks, Sisodia filed another set of bail applications. However, these too were rejected, with the courts emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations and the ongoing nature of the investigation.
Third Bail Plea: In light of the ED filing its chargesheet, Sisodia has now submitted a third bail plea. Advocate Vivek Jain, representing Sisodia, argued that the trial is progressing at a "snail's pace," highlighting that Sisodia has already spent 16 months in custody with little advancement in the trial. Jain pointed out that the Supreme Court had previously indicated that Sisodia could approach it if the trial faced undue delays.
Supreme Court Hearing: The bench of Justices BR Gavai, Sanjay Karol, and KV Viswanathan took note of the arguments and issued a notice to the ED, directing it to respond by July 29. The court acknowledged the prolonged nature of Sisodia's incarceration and the slow pace of the trial as points of concern. The hearing is scheduled for July 29, giving the ED two weeks to prepare its response.
Arguments by Sisodia's Counsel: Jain contended that Sisodia has been unfairly targeted and that the delays in the trial are prejudicial to his client's rights. He stressed that the charges against Sisodia are based on dubious claims and that the prolonged detention is unwarranted. Jain also highlighted Sisodia's cooperative behavior throughout the investigation, arguing that there is no risk of him fleeing or tampering with evidence.
ED's Stance: The ED has maintained that the allegations against Sisodia are serious and that the investigation is complex, involving multiple facets of financial transactions and illicit activities. The agency has argued that releasing Sisodia on bail could hamper the investigation and potentially lead to the destruction of evidence.
Judicial Observations: The Supreme Court, while issuing the notice, remarked on the importance of balancing the need for a thorough investigation with the rights of the accused. The bench emphasized that prolonged pre-trial detention should not become a punitive measure, and the judicial process must ensure fairness and expediency.
Conclusion: The Supreme Court's decision to issue a notice to the ED on Manish Sisodia's third bail plea marks a crucial juncture in the ongoing legal battle. This development underscores the ongoing tension between investigative agencies and the judiciary regarding the pace and conduct of high-profile corruption cases. As the hearing approaches, all eyes will be on the ED's response and the subsequent judicial proceedings, which will significantly impact the course of the case and Sisodia's political career.
For further updates and detailed coverage, follow the ongoing developments in this high-stakes legal case.
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